Richard Allen, Sr.

Richard (Dick) Allen, Sr. passed away on May 28, 2024. Dick grew up in Trenton NJ. He moved his wife and children to Levittown, PA in 1958. He continued to reside there with his family for twenty-three years.

Dick had a sharp mind and was blessed to have a natural ability to work with his hands. Early in his life he was a mechanic and then for many years an electrician at US Steel’s Fairless Hills (PA) plant. At other times was employed as a management consultant and worked in the management of Pep-Boys where he designed the concept, still used today in retail storefront attached to the car repaid garage. On the side he started a painting business. He started out painting interiors primarily in Levittown. He built the business to the point where he was “flipping” homes, keeping some as rentals and selling others. He was able to gather enough capital to fulfill his lifelong dream to own a bar. In 1976 he purchased the Lantern Inn in Parkland, PA. the bar went on to become one of the most popular bars in the Lower Bucks County area. It was known for its provocative “go-go” dancers at lunch, five days a week and rock and roll bands five nights a week. He lost his bar to bankruptcy in 1980. It led to another one of the several times in his life where he needed to re-invent himself. It was during this difficult time that his family moved from Levittown to Langhorne, PA. He and his wife Rosemary divorced in 1986 and shortly thereafter he moved to Florida for a short stint. Upon his return he married his second wife Carol and set up residence in Morrisville, PA. He lived there for over twenty-five years. Dick led an eclectic life that was filled with both joy and sorrow.

The loss of his grandson, AJ Jones, who he loved and mentored, was a devastating blow. He outlived both his wives, Rosemary and Carol, along with his great grandson Drew Jones. He is survived by his sons, Richard- Jr and his wife Linda and Ryan as well as his daughter Gina Jones. Two stepchildren, Wendy and David. Gina and Wendy lovingly cared for Dick in his last years of his life. In addition, he is survived by eight grandchildren, Rory, Rachel, Tiffany, Kirsten, Carly, Dana, Tracy and Daniel. Eight great grandchildren; a niece and nephew, Collen and Tony.

We would not give justice to his life if we were to not mention his life-long love for the music of Frank Sinatra. He lived his life according to the Sinatra song “My Way”. Yes, there were time’s, I’m sure you knew, when I bit off more than I could chew. But through it all, when there was doubt, I ate it up and spit it out. I faced it all, and I stood tall, and did it my way. I’ve loved, I’ve laughed and cried. I’ve had my fill, my share of losing and now, as the tears subside, I find it all so amusing. To think I did all that and may I say, not in a shy way, Oh, no, oh, no, not me I did it my way!

A private memorial service will be held in one of Dick’s favorite places, Long Beach Island, NJ on his birthday in August.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.finkenbinderfamily.com