Obituary of Allan Erik Anderson

Allan Erik Anderson of Green Brook passed away at home during the morning of April 28th. He was 58 years old. Allan was a fun-loving and charming individual who was proud of his Nordic heritage and made friends everywhere he went. Born on Staten Island, Allan grew up in Bridgewater and lived in New Jersey most of his life except for the years he toured the world as a roadie for bands as diverse as Prophet, Nuclear Assault and LL Cool J. He also worked as a lighting technician on shows for the Allman Brothers, Metallica, and many other international acts. While he loved life on the road, his true calling was wood-working and carpentry. He was an enormously talented craftsman who was known to say, “I build the unbuildable!” He first learned woodcraft working for a company that manufactured bird houses, where he aggravated his bosses by constantly modifying the designs and production processes. Allan fell in love with period furniture while employed by Dwelling House Country Furniture Company in Bound Brook during the 1980s, and he parlayed that knowledge into his post-road career. When his travelling days were over, Allan turned his attention to the vast number of Victorian-style homes in Plainfield, Westfield and the surrounding areas desperately in need of a loving hand to restore them to their former glory. Dozens of 19th century homes and other buildings throughout central Jersey owe their custom trim to Allan’s magic touch. One of his proudest accomplishments was the interior renovation of the old train station in Elizabeth, NJ. His special art was an ability to re-create original pieces of molding and casework with nothing more than hand tools and a table saw. Allan was always willing to lend a hand. Whether you needed help moving a bed or finding a good deal on carpet, Al always had a guy. And he wouldn’t hesitate to give you his last dollar if he thought you needed it. He always gave more to others than he ever took for himself. There are many people from all walks of life whose lives he touched. At Christmas time, friends were never surprised to get a hand-made gift. It might be something as simple as an inlaid coaster set or a new corner cabinet. Sometimes he would find an antique piece of furniture that he knew would be perfect for a family member or friend. Allan is survived by his mother, Annette Anderson of Glen Gardner, NJ, son Gerald Brennan of Green Brook, sister Lauren of Mahopac, NY, brother Bruce and sister-in-law Kimberly of Manakin Sabot, VA, stepmother Sandra Schroeder of Chapel Hill, NC, many cousins and aunts and uncles who all adored him, and countless friends. His father Norm Anderson of Berkeley Heights passed away in 2006. A celebration of Allan’s life will be scheduled for a later date. Instead of flowers, please feel free to make a donation in his name to the North Hunterdon Food Pantry in Glen Gardner, NJ or another charity that helps others in need.