Ex-Holy Cross football coach dies from multiple chemical sensitivity

Published: 2004-05-21

WORCESTER, Mass. (CNS) -- A funeral Mass was celebrated May 21 at St. Paul's Cathedral in Worcester for Dan Allen, who coached the football team at the College of the Holy Cross from 1996 through 2003. Allen, 48, died May 16 at his home in Westboro after a prolonged struggle with multiple chemical sensitivity. The illness robbed him of his mobility from the neck down. His wife, Laura, and their three children, Mark, Taylor and Danielle, were at his side when he died. He announced last August that he had the condition. Allen coached the entire 2003 season in a wheelchair. He had to take a medical leave during the 2002 season but returned to coach the final four games. "Dan Allen was a man of tremendous courage," said Jesuit Father Michael C. McFarland, Holy Cross president, in a statement issued by the college. "He was greatly admired, respected and loved by his players and colleagues. He was a strong and passionate leader, deeply devoted to his players, not just as athletes, but as persons as well."

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