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Allen “Big Al” Jay Henkin was born July 15, 1945, and departed this life on July 9, 2024, after a courageous battle with Lung Cancer. Allen was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA until he relocated to Camden, DE, to be closer to his daughter and family.
Son of the late Michael Henkin and Leah Mishkin Henkin Goodkin (Irv), Father of Andrea (Toby) Eckman of Camden, DE, grandfather of Amanda and Jenna Myers of Sinking Spring, PA, brother to the late Ronald Henkin (Sara), uncle to the late Jodee Henkin, Michael (Amy) Henkin of Warrington, PA, and his three sons, Tyler, Jake, and Aidan, and many extended family members.
After graduating from Northeast High School, he enlisted in the US Army and served his country in the Vietnam War. His careers included managing Jimmy’s Speakeasy, metalworking, and driving an 18-wheeler, and he retired as an Owner-Operator.
Allen enjoyed cooking and was a fabulous cook. He raced cars at Atco Speedway and on Decatur Road, rode his motorcycles, went deep sea fishing, worked on cars, built computers, made DVD movies, and was an avid gun collector. Allen could fix anything and was a wealth of knowledge about cars and motorcycles.
He had a charisma and presence about him, and everyone was drawn to Big Al. He was known for his lifelong friendships and time spent with his car-enthusiast friends at the old Burger King on the Blvd. and The River on Linden Ave.
He loved being a dad and a grandfather. He was a proud Pop Pop to Amanda and Jenna. Even though Allen and Pat had been divorced for more than 45 years, over the last few years, they had become great friends and roommates.
A special thank you to Pat and his buddy Dave for their friendship and support over the years, and a big thank you to the Delaware Hospice Staff for their care and support.
Relatives and friends are invited to Funeral services Thursday, July 18th at 10 AM precisely at Goldsteins’ Rosenberg’s Funeral Directors, 6410 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19126. Interment will follow at Mt. Jacob Cemetery, 700 Oak Lane, Glenolden, PA 19036 (Sec. A).
Casual dress or Biker wear is encouraged.
Please feel free to leave a message or story about Allen in the Guestbook for the family to read. Please check out the video and the pictures at the very bottom of this obituary page.
The Obituary will be printed in the Monday July 15, 2024 Inquirer.
Contributions in his memory may be made to may be made to Delaware Hospice, 630 Churchmans Road, Suite 200 Newark, Delaware 19702,
6410 N Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19126
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