William Allen

William Peter Allen (Pete) was born in Youngstown, NY, Jan. 15, 1927.   He passed from our lives on December 3, 2020.  Pete’s final two years were spent at Somerford Place of Frederick.

He was a veteran of the United States Navy and upon discharge completed his undergraduate and graduate education at the University of Buffalo, and a doctorate in microbiology and immunology at the University of Michigan in 1955.  He worked for the U.S. Army at Fort Detrick from 1955 to 1970.  He continued his career at Tulane University’s Primate Center in Covington, LA from 1970-1975.  From 1975 -1989 until his retirement he was employed as a Program Officer at the National Institute of Health, Center for Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NAID) in Bethesda, MD.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Dorothy Fourby Allen in 1987; his sister and her husband, Robert and Louise Flickinger; and his brother and wife, Robert and Ruth Allen.  Many of his friends have passed from his life in the recent years and each one was remembered fondly as they were the foundations of his social circles for more than 50 years.  In 1989 Pete married Judith Davis Allen.  They shared a life together for 31 years until his passing.

For the surviving children and grandchildren Pete was known as Dad, Grandpa Pete and/or Grandpa Allen.

Surviving are his children, Susan Herrick (Ralph), Nancy Allen (Kevin Whalen), Michael Allen (Denise Staub), Dawn Ann Bambrick (Tim), Heather Fine Boyd (Greg Harper) and Matthew Fine (Helen).  His grandchildren, Jennifer Banner, David Banner, Will Allen, Alexandra Allen (Tristan), Danielle McGraw (Brent), Zachary Thacher, Melanie Bambrick, Shepard Boyd, Levi Boyd, Nathaniel Fine, and Jake Fine.  His great-grandchildren are Gavin and Coulson McGraw.  There are many extended family members and friends who are not listed, but were a very important part of his life.

Pete was loved and known as a well-spoken gentleman who was compassionate, caring, resourceful and faithful to his friends and family. He was a man of his word. He had many passions known as hobbies in his earlier years which centered on wood working, craftsmanship projects and gardening.  He took his passion for gardening to a local vineyard in Frederick County in his early retirement years.   He was a lifelong member of Calvary United Methodist church in Frederick, MD. He was a regular attendee, a teacher, and volunteer throughout his membership with the church.

No public memorial service will be held at this time.  If you wish to express your condolences, please consider donating to Frederick County Hospice or Calvary United Methodist Church, 2nd & Bentz Street, Frederick, MD.