Robert "Bob" Allen

Allen, Robert of Peabody and formerly of Saugus and Harwich passed away unexpectedly after a short illness on July 22, 2020 at the age of 90. Known as Bob, he was the son of the late Alfred Allen Sr. and Mary (Caissie). Bob was the beloved husband of 66 years to the love of his life Dolores (Magno) Allen. A marriage made in heaven, they were an inseparable team that always held hands always went everywhere together. Born and raised in Chelsea, Bob was a double eagle. After Boston College High School, he graduated from Boston College in 1952 with a BS Degree in Chemistry. He was a proud and enthusiastic supporter of all things Boston College and as a season ticket holder with Dolores enjoyed attending football games and travelling to Bowl Games for many years. One of his biggest thrills was to be at a game on a stormy day in Florida and see quarterback Doug Flutie throw his famous 80- yard Hail Mary pass for a last second victory against arch rival University of Miami. He had an accomplished and fascinating career as a Chemist, working as a researcher and consultant for more than 60 years. Always passionate about his work, after dinner he frequently worked for hours at the kitchen table on reports or talked on the phone with colleagues about on-going experiments. He was initially involved in ground breaking research with the chemistry of radioactive materials with the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His career then gravitated to electrochemistry where he was involved with fuel cells and catalysts. As a partner at Prototech in Cambridge and then a member of E-TEK in Natick, he made significant contributions to the process that enabled car manufacturers to effectively fire-proof vehicle interiors, leading to countless saved lives. His career continued with research positions at companies based in Germany, Italy and Israel. A man of great humility and integrity, upon his passing his family was surprised to learn that his name is on more than 70 patents involving his research. Bob finished his career in 2017 at Northeastern University as a part-time Senior Scientist where he enjoyed advising doctoral students on their research. As his career was winding down, he and Dolores moved to Cape Cod where they enjoyed gardening, socializing with their many friends, helping out with charities and being parishioners of Holy Trinity Church. For many years he organized a deep sea fishing trip for his family off the coast of Cape Cod and helped reel in a 200 pound tuna on one memorable trip. Always an optimist, this quiet man confidently and successfully defeated cancer three separate times, often time getting treatment in the morning and going to work later in the day. His family is grateful to the doctors and nurses at the Massachusetts General Hospital for their exceptional care over the years. As avid travelers their globetrotting took them to places ranging from the Holy Land with their church group to Alaska to pan for gold as well as countless cruises. In 2017, he and Dolores moved to Brooksby Village in Peabody — where they became proud and active residents Bob was devoted to his family. He was a caring, understanding and attentive father and grandfather who was always and will forever be adored and much loved by his three children Stephan of Wellesley, Charlene and her wife Joanne Cancro of Watertown, and Michael and his wife Holly of Yarmouth, Maine, as well as his three grand-children Christina Mitchell and her husband Jeff, Nicholas Allen and Ashley Allen. Bob was the dear brother of the late Alfred Allen Jr., and Doris Jarvie and the Uncle of Don Jarvie Jr. Because of concerns with the COVID -19 pandemic, all services will be privately held. At a later date when public health conditions are improved, Dolores and his three children intend to invite family and friends to a Memorial Mass and reception to celebrate his long and happy life. It is strongly requested that in lieu of flowers, that any donations be made to the Brooksby Village Scholarship Fund, Philanthropy Fund, 200 Brooksby Village Drive, Peabody, Massachusetts 01960.

Buonfiglio Funeral Home

Phone: (781) 284-3376

Address: 128 Revere Street Revere MA,

Website: https://www.buonfiglio.com

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