Ralph Edward Allen

1949 - 2016

Ralph Edward Allen May 15, 1949 - October 21, 2016 La Jolla Ralph Edward Allen, longtime La Jolla resident, passed away unexpectedly at his home on October 21, 2016, at age 67. Ralph was born on May 15, 1949, in Cresskill, New Jersey, the second son of Larry and Margaret Allen. The family moved to Glendale, California, when Ralph was six months old. Ralph attended Glendale schools through high school, graduating from Herbert Hoover High School in 1967. As a member of Boy Scout Troop 4 he took great pride in earning the rank of Eagle Scout.Ralph attended California Polytechnic University at San Luis Obispo and graduated with a degree in Industrial Engineering in 1971. Ralph went on to complete a Master's Degree in Industrial Engineering at the University of California at Berkeley.Upon completion of his master's program, Ralph went to work for Procter & Gamble in Modesto, California, then was promoted to corporate headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio. In Cincinnati he experienced his first tornado. A few years later Ralph was transferred to Green Bay, Wisconsin. During his time in Green Bay Ralph took up skiing and he remained a Cheesehead, Packers fan for the rest of his life.The winters are cold in Green Bay, and one winter day Ralph received a phone call from an executive recruiter about a potential job opportunity with General Dynamics in San Diego. Ralph flew from Wisconsin to California bundled up against sub-zero temperatures. He landed in San Diego to weather in the 70s. In the parking lot was a bus draped with a banner: "General Dynamics Ski Club: Mammoth or Bust." He often told the story that he decided right then and there, if offered the job he was going to take it regardless of how much it paid.Ralph accepted the job and worked for GD for several years where he proudly helped develop the Tomahawk missile. He left GD for a new opportunity with SAIC, then, after several years, joined Cubic Corporation.Ralph loved dogs, especially his Weimaraner, Greta. He enjoyed skiing, SCUBA diving, and running and riding his bike on the boardwalk. He was a member of The Bachelors Club of San Diego.Ralph is survived by his brothers, Wendell of Ventura, California, and Tom of Glendale, California. He is also survived by two step-daughters, Ashley Baldassi of Los Angeles and Bailey Baldassi of South Lake Tahoe.A celebration of Ralph's life will be held on December 3, 2016, at 10:30 AM at Calumet Park, La Jolla. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts be made to the San Diego Humane Society. Please sign the guest book online at legacy.com/obituaries/ lajollalight .