Richard "Dick" Allen

Richard Wayne Allen, cherished father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on early Friday morning, September 13, 2024, at the Memorial Skilled Nursing Unit in Towanda after a period of declining health. He was 85 years old. 

Born on March 22, 1939, in Williamsport, PA, to the late Charles Herbert and Alda Palmatier Allen, Richard, affectionately known as Dick, was a remarkable athlete and dedicated educator. His athletic prowess shone brightly during his high school years as he starred as a center for the Williamsport Millionaires football team, earning honorable mention All-American honors in his senior year. Following his graduation from Williamsport High School in 1957, Dick continued his football career at Mansfield State College on a scholarship. Although a serious head injury ended his football career and scholarship, his spirit and resilience remained unwavering. 

Returning to Williamsport, Dick balanced working full-time at Stroehman’s bakery with attending Lycoming College, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in January of 1963. His passion for teaching led him to Towanda High School in September of 1963, where he devoted over three decades of his life. During his tenure, he not only taught but also served as math department head, football and baseball coach, senior class advisor, and basketball timekeeper and scorekeeper. 

Dick's influence extended beyond the classroom, as he also owned and operated a beloved sub shop from 1965 to 1969, worked in security at DuPont, served as a corrections officer at the Bradford County jail, and later worked as a tax preparer. 

In July of 1967, Dick married Mary McGee Stewart, and together they created a loving family. As an instant father to Mary’s four children, Dick embraced his role with warmth and dedication. He was affectionately known as “Bampa” by his grandchildren and their friends, and he took immense pride in celebrating the achievements of his family, particularly in presenting high school diplomas to five of his grandchildren. 

His love for sports, especially Penn State football, was a treasured part of family life, and he enjoyed attending countless sporting events for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Dick is survived by his daughters Eileen Allen and Mary Ellen (Mike) Maurer all of Towanda, PA, and Diane (Gregg) Lantz of Wilmington, NC. He is also survived by his grandchildren: David (Christi) Ausem, Richard (Jessica) Ausem, Lara Allen (Ryan Murchake), Tara (Jeremy) Sluyter, Michael (Elizabeth) Maurer, Mallory Maurer, Thomas (Danielle) Allen, Kathleen (Ben) Langford, Sean Allen, Brendan (Marin) Lantz, MacIver Lantz, and Celine Lantz. His great-grandchildren include Vivian Eileen Ausem; Alexis, Kennedy, and Jacob Ausem; Cecilia Chilson; Allyson and Jensen Murchake; Rylee, Reese, and Kaylen Sluyter; Isla and Reid Maurer; Carson and Conner Williamson; Jayden and Alex Allen; Jack Langford; and Aiden Lantz. 

Dick is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. 

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 52 years, Mary; his son George; grandchildren John Ausem and George Allen; and his siblings Darlene Jones, Charles Allen, and Robert Allen. 

A celebration of Dick's life will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at the Towanda Fire Hall, 101 Elm Street, Towanda, PA, from 4 PM until 7 PM. A Memorial Service and a time of sharing memories will be held at 4:30 PM. 

A private family burial will be held in the Bradford County Memorial Park, with his grandsons: David and Richard Ausem, Michael Maurer Jr., Brendan and MacIver Lantz, and Thomas and Sean Allen, serving as pallbearers. 

The family requests that memorial contributions be made in Dick’s memory and honor to the Towanda Touchdown Club, 203 Third St., Towanda, PA 18848 or to the Towanda Wrestling Program, 203 Third Street, Towanda, PA 18848. 

Dick’s warmth, generosity, and steadfast dedication to his family and community will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew him. 

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of his nephew, Austen A. McGee, from the Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore, PA. 

To send condolences or sign the e-guestbook, please go to www.homerfuneralhome.com