Richard B. Allen

Richard B. Allen, 79, passed away suddenly on November 17, 2024 at Westerly Hospital. Richard was born in Fall River, MA to the late Dorothea Gallop Allen and William Stowell Allen. Richard is survived by his loving wife Beverly Allen, daughter Bethany Pollack and fiancé Mike Gottke, daughter Valerie and son in law Kevin Baker, granddaughter Zoe Pollack as well as sister Lindy Greenwood, niece Lisa and husband Scot Moody, niece Traci and husband Chris Plante, great nephews Spender Moody, Logan and Brady Plante. Dick was residing in Westerly RI during summer months and spent winter months in Florida; he grew up in Riverside, RI and graduated from East Providence high school. Dick served in the army in Vietnam 1966-68. Upon returning home, he continued his studies at URI, receiving his Master’s degree in Marine Affairs. Dick worked most of his life as a commercial lobsterman while also serving on numerous organizations and committees, consulting and advocating for the sustainability of fisheries and lobstering. He was well respected within the industry with fellow fisherman depending on him to travel to Washington to lobby for their interests. Dick was granted the Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation in 1998, which afforded him the opportunity to visit Australia to study fisheries management abroad. He owned many lobster boats over the years, travelled up and down the Intercoastal waterway on their Bristol Trawler the Sunshine Girl, and even built and ran a glass bottom boat to offer cruises in Point Judith and Salt Pond. Dick and Beverly were members of the Westerly yacht club. He was a lifetime member of the Snug Harbor Volunteer Fire Association. Dick will be greatly missed, known for his love and respect of the ocean and water. Dick always loved sharing his experiences of travels and adventures with family and friends. Funeral services will be private with burial planned at the Exeter Veteran’s Cemetery; celebration of life will be planned by his family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard’s name to Salvation Army or the JonnyCake Center