Chelmsford | Published in: Essex Chronicle. Notable areas: Chingford, Sheffield
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John AnthonyALLENJohn Anthony Allen, (Tony) died peacefully surrounded by his son Mark, his faithful canine companion Brad, and daughter Elizabeth (Lizzie) at Chelmsford Care Center in Howe Green, Essex on 19th September, 2026, 11 days shy of his 94th birthday. Much loved husband of Judith (nee Goby) of 52 years who died in 2017. Father to Elizabeth, Nicholas (Nick) and his wife Heather Edelblute, to Mark and his wife June and grandfather to Sophie, Bennett and his fiancée Sarah Witmer, Jacob, Emily his twin, and Beatrix.
Tony was born in Sheffield in 1932 and educated at Woodhouse Grammar School. He served 19 months of national service in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps (RAOC), he served in the Canal Zone in Egypt. On returning to Sheffield, he became a journalist working for both The Sheffield Star and Telegraph for 10 years. In 1963 his love of Scouting since childhood brought him to Gilwell Park, the Scout Association's world headquarters, where he was Assistant Director of Leader Training where he met his wife Judith and they married in 1965. Both Lizzie and Nick were born at Gilwell Park. They moved to Chelmsford in 1973 where Mark was born and Tony became a lifelong member at Chelmsford Cathedral. He continued to work for the Scout Association as Relationship Secretary and Field Commissioner for East Anglia. After retiring he continued to be active at the community and the cathedral as sidesman, pastoral assistant, and publicity officer. His love of the arts is well-known with his enthusiasm for classical music and visual art and became an enthusiastic watercolourist even in his last years, he was an active congregant at the cathedral and will be remembered for his smile and positive attitude, his unwavering support for Sheffield United, the Conservative Party, and High Church rituals.
The funeral will be held at Chelmsford Cathedral at 2:00pm on Thursday 15th October and arrangements are by Adam & Greenwood of Chelmsford. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to: The Mothers' Union www.mothersunion.org/give-overview/ or Save the Children Fund www.savethechildren.org/
