Richard Aubrey Allen, born on March 23, 1934, in Marlborough, peacefully passed away on March 15, 2024, in Fort Myers, Florida. He was the son of Edna and Aubrey Allen and was preceded in death by his sister, Doris Clements of Louisville, Colorado.
Richard, lovingly known as Dick, is survived by his devoted wife Petronella Allen, their sons Christopher (wife Laura), Alex (wife Andrea), and Gordon (wife Jackie), and six cherished grandchildren.
In 1965, Dick married Petronella (Nelleke) Remkes in Beverly Farms, and they shared 58 beautiful years together. Dick’s educational journey took him to St. Mark’s School in Southborough, and later to Harvard University, where he played on the varsity hockey team and earned a degree in Physics.
A proud veteran, Dick served in the U.S. Navy from 1956 to 1958, under the esteemed Captain David McCampbell, the most decorated Naval Ace from WWII, as a navigator.
His professional career was marked by innovation and entrepreneurship. In 1959, he began working for the Avco-Everett Research Laboratory, a division of Avco Corporation, in Everett, contributing to the Apollo space program. Then in 1967, he founded the R. A. Allen Company and revolutionized the cycling industry with the invention of the first vehicle-mounted bicycle carrier. His passion for inventing led to the creation of numerous patented Allen Bike Rack designs, shipped to countries worldwide. The company he founded continues to be family-owned and operated to this day.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dick had a zest for life. He enjoyed hockey, biking, hiking, hunting, fishing, and working on old boats. Retiring in the early 2000s, Dick treasured spending time with his beloved wife at their home on Squam Lake in New Hampshire and indulging in fishing expeditions around Boca Grande, Florida in his green canoe.
Dick, a Concord resident from 1987 to 2016, lived by the Thoreau maxim that true wealth lies in what one can live without. His interests extended to taking naps and appreciating the simple joys of life.
A private funeral service will be held to honor Dick’s memory.
Richard Aubrey Allen leaves behind a legacy of ingenuity, love of family, and a life well-lived. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. May his spirit continue to inspire us to embrace the beauty of simplicity and the joy of creation.
