Walter "Brad" Allen

Walter Bradley Allen, “Brad,” age 82, of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. Brad worked as an Insurance Broker for almost 60 years and was the President of his own firm, Allen Insurance Group. Brad was a true innovator in the world of insurance and, more particularly, employee benefits. He championed unique employee benefit programs for small and medium-sized businesses alike. His long-standing commitments and partnerships with the Chambers of Commerce throughout Delaware were shining examples of his loyalties to the community. Above all, his nearly career-long partnership with the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce set him apart as one of the most renowned and respected insurance professionals in the state.

Brad was a member of the Army National Guard and was a devout and proud patriot, and could oftentimes be heard declaring his patriotism by spontaneously exclaiming “God Bless America” whenever he was inspired to do so. To say that Brad was a “family man” could not be more of an understatement. He lived and breathed for his family in everything he did each and every day. Brad was not only the patriarch of the family, but also entertaining with his sense of humor and countless embarrassing, yet hysterical, moments.

Brad had many hobbies and interests in his life including travel, boating, and golf. He was fond of Corvettes and especially his 1967 Stingray - “His Baby”. His favorite places on earth were Avalon, NJ, and St. John, USVI. We will always hear the echoes of “God Bless America” off the back decks and reverberating over the water. Being on his boat and out on the water was another passion of his. His boat was a place of solitude, peace, tranquility and many, many naps. Brad also had a great affinity for dogs, especially his yellow lab, Piper. He will be missed for his kindness, generosity, and unfaltering sense of humor.

Born in Wilmington, Delaware, he was a son of S. Burton Allen and Jane Hazeltine Allen. Brad is survived by his beloved wife of over 59 years, Jacklyn Yeatman Allen. In addition to his wife, Brad is survived by his children; Tammy Zoppi and husband, Paul; John Allen and wife, Melanie; Kimberly Guy and husband, Mike; Katia Whitacre and husband, Brandon, and nine loving grandchildren; Kiersten, Michael, Alyssa, Matthew, Tyler, Olivia, Hannah, Jared, and Blake; as well as his sister, Bonnie. Brad was also very close to his niece Shannon McGinn-Jones, and he had an especially close relationship with Barbara O'Neal, who was a trusted and devoted friend and colleague for over 40 years. In addition to his parents, Brad was predeceased by his brother, Samuel Allen.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10:00–11:00 AM on Monday, March 31, 2025, at Kennett Golf and Country Club, 100 East Locust Lane, Kennett Square, PA 19348. His Celebration of Life service will follow at 11:00 AM. Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Autism Delaware (autismdelaware.org), or to Meals on Wheels Delaware (mealsonwheelsde.org/support-us/donate-online). 

Arrangements are by Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory of Kennett Square, Inc. (484-734-8100). To view Brad’s online obituary and offer condolences, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.