Robert Allen

Robert Wallace Allen, 62, of Cohasset, MA, passed away unexpectedly on December 18, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Bob was the beloved husband of Christine Allen and devoted stepdad to Ian Whitney (Morgan) of Cambridge, MA and Anna Whitney of Boston, MA.

He was the son of the late Josephine and George Allen of Amherst, NH, and brother to Margaret Howe (Bruce) of Mendon, MA; David Allen (Janet) of North Yarmouth, ME; George Allen Jr. of San Diego, CA; and brother-in-law to Carolyn Brooks of Long Beach, CA; John Murray (Julie) of Stoneham, MA; James Murray (Jacinta) of Norwell, MA, and beloved cousin to many.

Bob leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews: Graham Howe (Katie), Laura Howe Alnaal (Osman), Carolyn Allen, Catherine Allen (Tony), Reed Allen, Cooper Allen, Ben Brooks, Jack Murray, Kiera Murray, Abigail Murray, Liam Murray, and Emma Murray. He was great-uncle to Safiya Alnaal, Alia Alnaal and Nash Howe.

He grew up in Amherst, New Hampshire and attended Cardigan Mountain School, Kents Hill School, and Plymouth State University. He loved the many childhood summers he spent with his family on the coast of Maine and the St. Lawrence River, as well as the many seasons with Christine, Anna, and Ian in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

Dedicating over 20 years to Granite Telecommunications, Bob helped to build the company from its founding. Known as "BA" at work, he played a pivotal role in shaping the company's values, community, and success. Bob was a trusted leader, supportive mentor, and a beloved friend to many. His many enduring friendships at Granite held a special place in his heart.

Bob was continually seeking out his next big challenge-be it running a marathon in each decade of his life, biking in the Pan-Mass Challenge, completing countless races and workout challenges, or all of the steps along the way of helping to build a company of thousands from just a few people in a room. And in between, Bob loved spending time at the beaches in Cohasset and Hull with Christine and his dogs (Luna and Nanook), biking the trails in Waterville with Anna, plotting his next athletic feats with Ian, and sharing his love of coffee by making espresso shots for anyone who would accept one.

He was a patient teacher of all things and a lifelong learner. Topics of interest encompassed the events of the world, history, local birds, meditation practice, and his children's career fields. He was often found, coffee in hand, taking notes on books he was reading, sharing insights with family, and seeking out others' perspectives.

Most importantly, those who knew Bob would agree that he was one of the kindest, most generous people you could ever meet. As someone recently said, "You only needed to spend 5 minutes with Bob to love him." Calm and steady, Bob was the kind of person who listened deeply and cared about your life and your interests. He was always generous in helping others– never hesitating to give money to those who needed it, to get dinner for the group, to help fix your broken car, or offer words of reassurance when you were down. Without a moment of complaint, Bob took care of Christine for months last year after she broke her ankle. And, as was his way, he spent the last few minutes before going into surgery helping a wheelchair-bound elderly man in the admitting room.

Beyond the milestones, races, challenges, and professional achievements that he accomplished, what Bob will long be remembered for was his kindness and beauty of spirit.

Visiting Hours will be held on Friday, January 3 from 4 to 7PM at the McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Home at 1 Summer Street, Cohasset, MA, and a Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, January 4 at 11AM at First Parish Unitarian Church at 30 N. Main, Cohasset, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, American Brain Foundation, or Boston Children's Hospital.