Richard J. Allen of Cary, N.C., and formerly of Goshen, N.Y., died Wednesday, Jan 6, 2021, at Duke University Hospital surrounded by his wife of 56 years, Elizabeth, and his daughter, Geri.
Rich was born March 15, 1939, in Teaneck, N.J., the son of Raymond and Josephine Allen. He is survived by his wife Betty; his daughter Geri Allen Jablonski; his favorite son-in-law Michael; three beautiful granddaughters Lindsey, Hannah Jo and Gracie; and his in-laws Candy and Kim Jablonski.
He was predeceased by his father Raymond, mother Jo, brothers Ray and Pat and sisters Lil, Dot and Bunny.
Rich retired from Western Union after 24 years as a manager. This allowed him to continue his love of friends, family and pool parties on a more regular basis.
His often-frustrating passion for the Yankees and Giants dictated what events he chose to host or attend based on game days.
Rich was a longstanding member of the Middletown Elks, a former active member of the Goshen Volunteer Ambulance Corps and a retired member of the Town of Goshen Planning Board.
Rich supervised yearly camping trips for the neighborhood kids which grew to an outstanding 45-plus size by the time he finished. Truth be told, this trip may have been more for the dads then for their children. All those fathers predeceased him and met him at the gate with a beer and a Grand Marnier with plans to camp some more.
Rich will be fondly remembered most of all for his infectious laugh, (sort of a chirp, chirp, snort) and one we heard frequently as his sense of humor thrived among those he loved.
A loveable klutz, he often found himself in very messy situations which frequently ended with a new injury.
He loved to repeat his tales, and those will live on as material for future roasts.
A memorial mass was held Jan. 14 at St. Andrew the Apostle Church Fellowship Hall, 3008 Old Raleigh Road, Apex N.C. 27502.
Inurnment will be at the church columbarium.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name, to Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Arrangements by Wake Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. in Cary, North Carolina.