Robert A. Allen

Lincoln – Robert A. Allen, 90, formerly of Lincoln, passed away Saturday, July 11, 2020 at home, two and a half weeks after the death of Caroline E. (Rafuse) Allen, his best friend and wife of 65 years.

   Bob was born behind Hartley’s Pork Pies in Fairlawn, the ninth of ten children to the late Howard and Ethel (Richardson) Allen. He grew up on the Pawtucket/Lincoln line causing all sorts of mischief with his friends and being affectionately known as “one of those Allen kids"  before graduating from Pawtucket West High School (now Shea High School) in 1948.

   He was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War and learned various skills that, unbeknownst to him at the time, helped shape his life. Upon his discharge, he began work at Metals and Controls in Attleboro, MA in the R & D group.

   Bob soon took a new position at Electronic Metals and Alloys and connected with two other men where they decided to start a new business cladding metals called Technical Materials, Inc. With the growing need for electronics in telecommunications, automotive and photography. TMI prospered and within five years moved from the old CIC building in Providence to a state-of-the-art factory in Lincoln soon employing over 200 employees.

   Bob took an early retirement in 1980 and, upon his daughter’s graduation from Lincoln High School in 1983, he and Caroline moved from Lincoln to Holmes Beach, Florida, then to Bradenton, Florida before coming back to Rhode Island in 2018. He and Caroline still found time to summer a little at their little slice of heaven on West Island in Fairhaven, MA.

   Being restless and always enjoying his work, Bob soon started RAA, INC., a manufacturer’s rep company, ironically working the Southeastern US for Brush Wellman, which had recently purchased his old company.

   Bob was a proud Mason of 65 years and was Past Master of the former Barney Merry Lodge #29, F. & A.M., Pawtucket. While in Florida, he was a Shriner and a member of Sahib Temple. He was a member of Smithfield Avenue Congregational Church, Pawtucket for 76 years.

   He leaves a son, Douglas H. Allen (formerly of Lincoln) and his wife Carla of Fayetteville, NY; a daughter, Lynne E. Davis and her husband John of Riverside, where Bob made his home. He loved his four grandchildren, Samantha and Bennett Allen, and Casey and Jessie Davis. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Bob was the last surviving of his siblings, Richardson “Dick”, Shirley, Constance, Howard “Earl”, Ruth, Jack, Estelle “Dolly”, Jean and Ann.

   His visiting hours will be held Thursday, July 16 from 11 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. followed by his services at 12:30 P.M. at Bellows Funeral Chapel, 160 River Road, Lincoln. His burial will be private. Bob’s services will be also be available to view via livestream on his Online Memorial Page. In lieu of flowers, Bob would smile down from heaven if you took the love of your life out for a nice dinner. For Directions and Guest Book, please visit www.bellowsfuneralchapel.com.

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