Richard Allen

Richard H. Allen Sr., 78, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2023. Richard was born April 5, 1945, in Bangor, Maine, the son of Harry W. and Bernice M. (Gagnon) Allen.

Richard grew up in Bangor and went to Catholic grade school. Richard was an altar server for several years and grew up enjoying sports, music, and family. Richard attended high school in Bangor and later attended Beal College. Following high school, in 1963, Richard enlisted in the US Army. He proudly served in the Army from 1963 to 1966, spending time in Alaska and Maryland (he loved fishing in Alaska!). Richard also served in the Air National Guard following his time in the Army. In 1967, Richard married Norma Reynolds and they had five children together. Richard enjoyed watching his kids play various sports, especially little league baseball. Richard was a very hard worker; he worked his entire life in sales and distribution. Richard started his sales work at King’s Department Store (in Bangor), later worked for Harris Baking Company, and eventually owned his own business as an independent distributor until his retirement in 2005. Richard very much enjoyed all types of music but had a great love for Elvis (later in life he was able to visit Graceland!). Richard was an avid collector; he collected sports cards, music memorabilia, albums, stamps, and coins; his proudest collectables were his Elvis mementos. Richard was also especially proud of his extensive vinyl collection. In his younger years, Richard could always be found filming and taking pictures at family parties where he tended to be the life of the party. Richard was a talented musician and enjoyed drawing. He loved singing and playing guitar, and especially enjoyed karaoke with his family. Richard was very proud of his kids and grandkids, he particularly enjoyed following their athletic activities.

Surviving are his sons James Allen and his wife Missy of Hancock, John Allen and his wife Sue of Corinth, Stephen Allen and his wife Shanna of Wesley Chapel (Florida), and daughter Joy Speed and husband Peter of Bradford, and his former wife, Norma Allen of Corinth. Richard is also survived by 15 grandchildren: Alexandria Allen, Dawson Allen, Sydney Allen, Abigail Allen, Simon Allen, Isabelle Allen, Mary Allen, Annie Allen, Katherine Allen, David Allen, Margaret Allen, Ashlin Allen, Jenna Speed, Benjamin Speed, and Natalie Speed. Richard was expecting a great grandson, Jackson, in August. Richard is also survived by his sisters Cynthia Perry and her husband Robert, Patricia Curtis, Donna Pelkey, Kathryn Cummings, Joan Sullivan and her husband John, and his brother Michael Allen. Richard is also survived by his ex-wife Louise Berthiaume and many special nieces and nephews that Richard enjoyed spending time with. In addition to his parents, Richard was predeceased by his son Richard Allen Jr. and his grandson Ryan Worcester. Richard was grateful for all the help he received with appointments, shopping, and healthcare, especially from Cynthia, Robert, and Norma.

Relatives and friends are welcome to call 5 - 7 pm, Thursday, August 10, 2023, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor, ME. Interment with Military Honors will be at 1:00 PM, Friday, August 11, 2023 at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 163 Mt. Vernon Road, Augusta, ME. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com