Matthew A Allen
April 27, 1930-April 11, 2025
Palo Alto, California
Matthew Arnold Allen, Former Mountain View Mayor, Dies at Age 94
Matthew Arnold Allen, former Mayor of Mountain View, CA, passed away peacefully of natural causes at the Vi at Palo Alto on April 11, 2025 at the age of 94.
Matthew lived a rich and full life, devoted to science, public service, and family. Born Matthew Arnold Avner on April 27, 1930, in Edinburgh, Scotland, to William and Clara Avner, he grew up during the austerity of the Second World War. In 1943, his father changed the family name to Allen, for “business reasons” but more likely to avoid rising antisemitism.
A gifted student, Matthew attended George Heriot’s School and graduated with honors from the University of Edinburgh with a B.S. in Physics. Following university, he served as a Radar Officer in the British Army for two years. In 1955, Matthew emigrated to the United States and earned his Ph.D. in Physics from Stanford University in 1959. While at Stanford, he met Marcia Katzman. They married in September 1957 and began a life together filled with family, travel, civic engagement, and intellectual pursuits.
The couple moved to Boston in 1961 when Matthew joined Microwave Associates, where their first son, Bruce, was born. Their second son, Peter, arrived in 1965. Shortly thereafter, the family returned to California when Matthew accepted a position at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC), where he would work for more than four decades, ultimately serving as an Associate Director. Their youngest son, David, was born following their return to the Bay Area.
Matthew's contributions extended far beyond the world of physics. Deeply engaged in his community, he served on the Mountain View Planning Commission from 1971 to 1974, and was elected twice to the City Council, serving from 1974 to 1982. He held the position of Mayor during two separate terms, in 1977–1978 and 1980–1981. Throughout this time, he also served on numerous regional and county boards, always driven by a deep commitment to civic responsibility and thoughtful urban planning.
Matthew and Marcia shared a love of travel, culture, and the arts. They were longtime patrons of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland and dedicated supporters of the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST). Known for their hospitality, they often hosted friends, neighbors, and colleagues in their Mountain View home of 40 years.
In 2005, they moved to Vi at Palo Alto (then known as Classic Residence by Hyatt), where they were among the original residents. Matthew and Marcia were instrumental in shaping the vibrant community there, helping to establish many of the social groups and committees that continue today.
They spent 16 happy years in the “independent living” section before transitioning to the care center side in their final years. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Vi staff for their attentive care, and to the hospice team for their compassionate support in Matthew’s final days. A special thank-you goes to his devoted caregiver, Sabino Aspiras, who was by Matthew’s side during his last four years.
Matthew was a beloved friend, a sharp mind, and often the life of the party. He and Marcia, married for over 65 years, were a shining example of enduring partnership and love. They are deeply missed by their family and friends.
Matthew is survived by his sons Bruce (Rina), Peter (Marlon), and David (Jane); grandsons Ryan and William; and a wide circle of friends whose lives he touched deeply. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marcia.
Tags: veteran, public service
