Dr. Robert E. Allen, Sr.

Dr. Robert (Bob) Eugene Allen, Sr. passed away peacefully at home on February 28, 2023 surrounded by his family.  Bob was born on February 17, 1933 to Marguerite and Truman Allen in Burlington Junction, Missouri. The Allen family moved to Beloit, Wisconsin in 1936.  When Bob’s brother Bill went to high school, Bob (age 8) took over Bill’s 6:30 a.m. paper stand at the gates of Fairbanks-Morse.  When Bob and his brother weren’t finding mischief, he was always looking for any activity such as a baseball game, tennis, pick-up basketball, skiing, and ice skating.  In sixth grade, Bob even became the city marbles champion!

In 1948, Bob met Patricia Graves at Roosevelt Junior High in Beloit. They began dating from her front porch and continued throughout high school. Bob graduated from Beloit Memorial High School in 1951, and entered the University of Wisconsin where he majored in metallurgical engineering. Bob and Pat were married in 1953 and after a two year stint in the U.S. Army, they returned to the University of Wisconsin in Madison. When Pat and Bob left Madison in 1964, he had his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering and four of their five children!

After graduating from the University of Wisconsin, General Electric Aircraft Engines in Cincinnati, Ohio beckoned him.  In his long career as a metallurgical engineer, Bob was involved in every aspect of new materials introduction, and with virtually all components in the engine. He helped invent advanced alloys and processes, worked on their development and scale-up, and their approval and acceptance as aerospace components. His most recognized work, however – his passion – was for materials for the hot section of turbine engines. He worked with design and heat transfer engineers, with suppliers and manufacturers, and with the engine and aircraft project owners. His engineering knowledge, combined with his ability to influence other disciplines, resulted in the incorporation of many materials across today’s fleet. Bob retired in 1996 after 32 years with G.E.

Bob was an avid handball player and shared this passion with his four sons (Bob, Tom, John, and James).  He helped coach a new generation of handball players and was a member of the Ohio Handball Hall of Fame.  Bob developed several websites that highlighted his grandchildren’s individual and team sporting accomplishments over a period of years.  He was also a great problem solver and teacher. For daughter Lori, he hand selected wood and replicated a family heirloom by constructing a beautiful oak dining room table. Working with his children, he designed and constructed decks, furniture projects, work benches, storage cupboards, along with numerous home renovations.  He enjoyed classical music, theatrical productions, and watching professional and familial sporting events including golf, tennis, and swimming.  Bob also enjoyed extensive world-wide excursions with Pat, family, and friends. For over fifty years, the highlight of almost every summer was the time they spent together as a family at Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Pat, and their five children: Lori (Tim) Handler, Bob (Debi) Allen, Tom (Linda) Allen, John (Connie) Allen, and James Allen; and 9 grandchildren: Graham (Meghan) Handler, Clint (Ashley) Allen, Ross (Abby) Allen, Mary (Luke) Dolan, Molly (Nick) Fulks, Evan Handler, Emma Allen, Jonathan (Kathryn) Allen, and Trudy Allen; and 9 great-grandchildren: Cole, Max, and Luke Handler; Summer Allen; William, Lucy, and Daniel Fulks; Charlie and Jacob Dolan; a sister Carol Allen of Beloit, Wisconsin; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Marguerite and Truman Allen, sister Jae (Jim) Davis, and brother William (Rose) Allen.

A Celebration of Life (Open House) will be held on Saturday, March 4th from 4-7 p.m. at Clovernook Country Club (2035 W. Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH 45239).  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to American Cancer Society or any organization of your choice.