Allen James Fields was born on January 17, 1948, in Newark, New Jersey, to the late Eloise Hollis. On March 25, 2026, Allen James Fields transitioned from this life. He is now reunited with his beloved wife, Shirley, his mother, and his sister, Elizabeth Hollis.

Allen was known for his love of coaching football, teaching physical education, his sense of humor, and his unwavering determination—qualities that remained evident throughout his life.

Allen was educated in the Newark Public School system, where he graduated from Eastside High School. After graduating high school, he went on to college, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education. After graduating college, he began his career as a physical education teacher for the Newark Board of Education, where he met his future wife, Shirley (Criss). They were married July 1, 1973, and spent their lives together for forty-nine years until she was called home in 2024.  He never left her side.

From 1974 to 1980, Allen went on to the East Orange Board of Education, working at East Orange High School, where he is best known for turning the football program completely around into winners and for turning young teenage boys into men. Many of those “boys to men” included Steven Shaw, Cameron Robinson, Daryl Shears and Tony and Jerry Pierce. They remained close to him throughout his life, whether it be phone calls or visiting the house.  They remained loyal and he was considered their mentor, family, and friend.

In 2013, he received the East Orange Old Guard Award for this tremendous accomplishment and was named a Hall of Famer. His passion for working with youth led him to dedicate much of his life to coaching football and teaching physical education, later working at Paterson Kennedy High School and Irvington High School from 1984 until his retirement in 2009, where he impacted and guided many young people. He also taught Driver’s Education part-time in Passaic, New Jersey during the 1990s.

After retirement, Allen continued to enjoy life with his wife and maintained an active presence in helping raise his grandchildren, keeping them involved in various sports.

He had a presence that could not be ignored. His humor brought laughter to many, and his determination carried him through life’s challenges. He was a man who believed in showing up, standing strong, and doing what needed to be done. Whether on the field, in the classroom, or with family, he gave his full self.

His unwavering faith in God kept him in church on Sundays. He and Shirley instilled faith in God in their three children, Courtney, Shay, and Allen Jr. Their church families included Calvary Gospel Church in Newark, NJ; First Baptist Church in Hillside, NJ; and Fountain Baptist Church in Springfield, NJ.

Family meant everything to Allen—they were what he considered his greatest gift from God. He was a devoted father who showed his children tough love, a proud grandfather, and a loved one who took pride in those he cared for. His guidance, strength, and love will continue to live on through his family and all who knew him.

Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in the memories he gave us and the legacy he leaves behind.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his children, Courtney (Eshond), Shay, and Allen Jr.(Kisha); grandchildren EJ “Viviann”,  Justin, and Makayla; niece and nephew Tonya and Clifford (Debra); great-niece Samantha and her children, Zaniyah and Zahmir; godchildren Tramaine (Nick), Taisha, and Tevin; closest friend Willie Sheppard (Louise), along with a host of relatives and friends whose lives were touched by his presence.

Lovingly Submitted,

The Family