Allan Vesley

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Allan Charles Vesley, who left us on Friday, March 14, 2025, at the age of 93.

Allan was born on July 14, 1931 in Astoria, New York, to parents who were first- and second-generation Czechoslovakian Americans. He grew up in Whitestone, a quiet neighborhood where he enjoyed views of the New York City skyline and cherished family outings, including boat trips up the Hudson River and visits to Radio City Music Hall.

Allan excelled academically and graduated from Bayside High School in 1949. That fall, he traveled to Cornell University, inspired by his older brother Henry and later joined by his younger brother Donald. He studied economics, history, literature, and political science while actively participating in the Theta Chi fraternity.

After graduating in 1953, Allan began his career at Bankers Trust and pursued an evening MBA at New York University, earning his degree in 1957. He credited his professor, Peter Drucker, as a major influence. In his master’s thesis, The Role of Electronic Data Processing , Allan emphasized that human intelligence and creativity would remain essential to harnessing the power of this emerging technology.

Allan met his future wife, Roberta “Pan” Barhman, on a bicycle trip to Southampton. They married on March 21, 1959, and settled in Port Washington, New York, where they raised their daughters, Nancy and Deborah, alongside several litters of Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers.

Allan enjoyed a 30-year career at the Sperry and Hutchinson Company, known for its “S&H Green Stamps.” There, he modernized operations with computer automation, eventually leading S&H’s systems and programming unit.

In 1984, Allan became Assistant Commissioner of Finance for New York City under the Koch administration. He led the development of FAIRTAX, a database system that became a model for tax administration nationwide.

Upon retirement, Allan and Pan moved to Fearrington Village, North Carolina, where they spent nineteen happy years exploring the Triangle region. Allan enjoyed golf, hiking, croquet, performing with a theater group, and visiting his grandchildren.

In 2014, following his diagnosis with Parkinson’s Syndrome, Allan and Pan moved to Carolina Meadows. Despite his illness, Allan remained engaged in his community, joining discussion groups, a book club, and attending lectures and musical events. Allan passed away peacefully on March 14, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Henry (“Hank”) and Donald, and his parents. He is survived by his wife of sixty-six years, Roberta; daughter Deborah (deceased, Wynn) Miller; daughter Nancy (Joseph); grandchildren Emily and Henry; niece Amy (Wayne) Simmons; and nephew Mark (Kristine).

A gathering to celebrate Allan’s life will be held at Carolina Meadows later this year.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Chatham Outreach Alliance (CORA) .

We wish to thank the nurses and staff of The Pines at Carolina Meadows and the visiting home health aides from Wisdom Senior Care for their compassionate care during Allan’s final years.