John E. Allen Jr. Jr.

John E. Allen, Jr., 93, of Jackson Township, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, July 18, 2025. He was the devoted husband of Mary Eleanor (née Olekowski) Allen. Born in Jersey City to the late John and Agnes Allen, John led a life rooted in service, dedication, and love.

A proud United States Marine, John served during the Korean War and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal. He was also named Marine of the Month, a recognition of his unwavering Honor to Country and embodiment of the Spirit of the United States Marine Corps.

He was a proud 16-year member of the Jackson American Legion Post No. 504.

John earned a degree in Business from Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey.

He dedicated many years of service to his community as a devoted member of the Freehold Township Lions Club, serving as Past Chairman of AltruVision, a Lions Eye Bank (formerly Lions Eye Bank of Delaware Valley), and as Senior Vice President of the New Jersey Camp for Blind Children – Camp Marsala. He was a founding member of Little League Baseball in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he also coached youth baseball and supported activities such as the Cub Scouts and Webelos, always emphasizing character development and civic responsibility.

John also devoted his time to the Marie H. Katzenbach School for the Deaf in Trenton, NJ, advocating for students, faculty, and staff. He founded and was a dedicated officer of the Men's Club at the Four Seasons community, one of his most beloved endeavors.

A man of deep faith, John's commitment to the Catholic Church began as an altar boy in Jersey City. He was a strong supporter of Father Daniel Keegan, who rose to become Monsignor at the historic Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires. John encouraged his children to attend catechism and remain active in the church.

He was an avid golfer, proudest of his hole-in-one at the San Isidro Country Club in Argentina. He enjoyed sports, music, and a well-timed joke.

Professionally, John dedicated over 30 years to the Ford Motor Company, serving in the U.S., Argentina, and Canada, eventually rising to an executive role in Ford Motor Company International – Imports and Exports. His work took him around the world - to Japan, Turkey, Nigeria, Brazil, Chile, London, and Australia. After retiring from Ford, he spent a decade contributing to the growth and success of Foreign Auto Preparation Services, Inc. at Port Newark, NJ.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Eleanor Allen, and their children:

John E. Allen III and wife Judith

Richard W. Allen, Ed.S. and wife Geannine McGrath

Michael E. Allen and wife Ann Tran

Mary E. Beal and husband Joseph Beal

Carlota (Colleen) Sabatini and husband Gary Sabatini

Geraldine Higgins and husband Scott Higgins

He was a proud grandfather to Kayla Clougher, Carley Barney, Gregory Sabatini, Megan Beal-O'Rourke, Maggie Higgins, Nikkole Minguet, Michael E. Allen II, and Nicolas Allen, and a loving great-grandfather to Patrick, Hailey, and Dylan John.

He is also survived by his sisters Agnes DeJacomo and Patricia Figliola, and was predeceased by his brother Richard M. Allen, and sisters Regina Gillespie and Rosemary Giordano. John deeply loved all his nieces, nephews, and extended family, sharing in their milestones, stories, and successes.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2025, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Higgins Memorial Home, 20 Center Street, Freehold.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, July 25, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Church, Freehold.

Interment will be held at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Arneytown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to any Lions Club charity would be deeply appreciated.