11/08/20 - NNHS Newsletter

A beautiful tribute for a special guy. He was a great father, friend, brother, and uncle to all of us, and will be missed dearly by all. I always admired how much he was about family and all the stories of adventures he would take. He was always there to lend a hand or provide kindness and support to all he knew. He showed us all how to live life without regrets, and how much family means. Glad to be a part of the Allen crew. I will cherish all the memories and laughter we shared. Gone too early... hug my dad for me. and enjoy being reunited with all your brothers.
Love to all!
Melissa ❤

~ Melissa

November 08, 2020

Although we are incredibly sad, Heaven must be in stitches because the Allen boys are together again and Jennifer is riding high on daddy’s shoulders

~ Cheryl Allen

November 08, 2020

I first met Richie when he came to work in San Diego, at my home shipyard. He quickly made friends and proceeded to enjoy everything there was to see and do around here. When times changed and there was more work in Newport News, then I moved East to work. Richie and Cheryl were really great at including me in their activities, and I especially enjoyed going to their theater productions. I will always treasure the last time Richie came back for a visit. We did all the San Diego tourist stuff that he (and I) love.. and then he jumped off the Cliffs at Torrey Pines! Paragliding.. What a thrill! Richie was inspiring, and his legacy to me is live life to the fullest ❤

November 08, 2020

So sorry to hear about your loss. You know that God and Jesus are in the best position to comfort u s when we lose a loved one in death.

~ Unsigned

November 09, 2020

Richie and I worked together at the shipyard when I first started. He had a great attitude and he taught me a lot. He was very funny and he was very low keyed. We never had any problems when it came to finding a subject to talk about. He always had stories! So sorry for your loss. He was a good friend and I'll never forget him!

November 09, 2020

I worked with Richie at the Shipyard from 1985 to 1992. What a cool guy! He taught me a lot professionally and personally. His love of life was unparalleled, and he always told me not to worry too much. His stories of Vietnam were so meaningful that I told them to my children. I regret that I was not able to meet up with Richie after my Shipyard days were over. My prayers go out to the family. His funny stories and words of wisdom will stay with me always.

November 10, 2020

Harry and I dearly loved Jimmy, he was the sweetest and kindest man we've ever known. You are all in our prayers. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/dailypress/guestbook.aspx?n=james-nelms&pid=168424497&cid=full#sthash.eYd8EQ0l.dpuf

Richie and I were classmates at Newport News High School and class of '66. Although sadly we lost touch after school as many of us do, Richie was one of those people you never forgot. Always a smile and could make anyone laugh any time, just a great guy to be around. We briefly touched base again on Facebook, and I am grateful for that. Prayers for Richie and his family.

November 19, 2020

Jean Hogge and I had the great pleasure of designing costumes for The Courthouse Players for several years. One of our favorites was working with Richie as the Cowardly Lion! As soon as we zipped Richie into that costume that sweet personality of Richie's married to the character, and magic happened. We are all richer for having had Richie in out lives. I will always cherish the memories.

~ Joanne Knauf

November 24, 2020

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November 24, 2020

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November 24, 2020

				NEWPORT NEWS - Richard "Richie" Clarence Allen, 72, passed away Saturday, October 24, doing something he loved - camping in the mountains. A lifelong resident of Newport News and Gloucester, Richie loved music, comedy, theater, and telling and hearing hilarious stories. He graduated from Newport News High School and served with the US Coast Guard during the Vietnam Conflict. In remembering his service, he often reflected on the brilliance of the stars in the night sky and beauty of the vast ocean, even during times of trouble. Following his service, he had a long career in the Newport News Shipyard, working in various departments, with his favorite being retirement. Richie had experienced personal loss and sadness, but he liked to focus on the amazing and wonderful things in life. For 20 years, he acted with, directed, supported and eventually led the Gloucester theatre group "The Courthouse Players." His role as The Cowardly Lion was a particular favorite among his friends and the children in his community. Whether acting, playing softball, jamming with musicians, delighting in nature, or embarking on epic trips and adventures, he enjoyed being with friends and family, and always followed his heart.
	Richie Allen


	Richie had experienced personal loss and sadness, but he liked to focus on the amazing and wonderful things in life. For 20 years, he acted with, directed, supported and eventually led the Gloucester theatre group "The Courthouse Players." His role as The Cowardly Lion was a particular favorite among his friends and the children in his community. Whether acting, playing softball, jamming with musicians, delighting in nature, or embarking on epic trips and adventures, he enjoyed being with friends and family, and always followed his heart. Richie was preceded in death by his parents, John L. Allen Sr., and Frances Monfalcone Allen; daughter Jennifer; brothers John, Fred and Charlie; and sister-in-law Mary. He is survived by his loving partner, Michelle Pauley; son, Michael; daughter, Kimberly Montalvo and her husband, Joshua; grandsons, Jarrett, Alexander, Jonah and Sean; sister, Faye Allen Andrashko and husband Gary; cherished sisters-in-law, Gwen and Sonja; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his former spouse, Sandra Chestnut, who is the mother of his children and a treasured lifelong friend; and former spouse Cheryl Allen, with whom he shared an enduring and memorable passion for music, theatre and the arts. He will be missed as well by countless wonderful friends, who were as close to him throughout his life as his beloved family. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the CNU John L. Allen, Jr. Theater Scholarship. Due to Covid, a small private celebration will be held to honor Richie's life. An online video of the service will be available for those who are unable to attend in person. Details about the scholarship, online video and other updates will be available at RichieAllenLegacy.com. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks. Published in the Daily Press on November 08, 2020. View Guest Book

			Richie, I don’t even know where to begin. It’s been two weeks since we got word that you’d left us and we’re still in disbelief! In my mind, I know you’re not suffering any more, and were doing what you loved so much. But my heart is missing you so much already. Even though we divorced years ago, I am so thankful for our marriage and our three children we had together. So thankful we remained great friends and for being your family’s favorite “outlaw”. Losing our precious Jennifer was the worst time of our lives, but Michael helped us through that time a lot. God then blessed us with another daughter, our amazing Kimberly, who’s so loving and thoughtful to everyone she knows. Our blessings also include our wonderful grandsons. Both of our children are strong and will get through this very sad time. You’ve always been so proud of them and I know you’d be now as well. Give our Jennifer a big hug from me and tell Dale, your “ex-husband-in-law” how much I love and miss him! I’ll miss you very much, especially our talks about the kids. I’ll always be your “babies’ Momma”! Love, Sandi Thank you so much for this beautiful tribute, Sandi. You have my deepest condolences at this devastating time.