Richard Fernley Allen, 71, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family following a long battle with cancer. He was a warrior and faced his illnesses with optimism, determination and grace.
Richard was born in London, England, the son of Fernley F. E. Allen and Dorothy M. Maltzahn. He grew up in Sunningdale and London. He graduated from Charter House and spent a year in Paris playing jazz at Le Caveau de la Huchette. He received a Bachelor of Commerce honors degree from McGill University and an MBA from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. Although he started his career with Alcan in Toronto, he spent the following 30 years as an investment banker in London, Toronto, Boston and New York with Hambros, Dillon Read, Credit Suisse First Boston and Wood Gundy Inc. He was president of the U.S. operations of Lancaster Financial, a private investment bank, and, after its acquisition by Toronto Dominion Bank, became managing director and head of the merger and acquisition group. He ended his career as a partner with Family Capital Growth partners, a private equity fund, in Greenwich. He was a founding member of the Penn Club in New York and a long time member of the Field Club.
Richard had a deep love of music including classical jazz and rock and roll, especially Jeff Lynne and Boston. He played several instruments including trombone, trumpet, cornet and drums. He learned to play golf at an early age and also loved tennis, paddle tennis and most recently pickleball. He loved the serenity at Tod's Point and would often walk listening to his new found interest in navel historical fiction.
He was devoted to his two sons, Geoffrey and James (Molly). He was beloved by his wife, Tina, two step children, Lindsey Olson (Eric) and Ross Aron (Kristen), five step grandchildren – Drew and Owen Olson and Charlotte, Henry and Theodore Aron. He will be missed by his former wife and mother of his sons, Martha Williams, his former brother-in-law, Mark Williams (Victoria) and nephew, George Williams and many friends. He was predeceased by his parents and uncle.
We are grateful for the wonderful care he received at New York Presbyterian-Columbia and Greenwich Hospital from Doctors Naiyer Rizvi, Christopher Edelmann, M. Sung Lee, Ashwatha Narayana and Michael Liu. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Richard's memory to the Greenwich Hospital Foundation, 35 River Road, Suite 100, Cos Cob, CT 06807.
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Sponsored by Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home - Greenwich.
August 2, 2023
GORDON CLELAND
I'm thinking of and missing Richard today. Gordon Cleland
October 7, 2017
Jaci Coleman
Tina, you've lost your Prince Charming, and the rest of us have lost one of the most decent, honest, smart, sweet men I've known. He is so missed. My sincere condolences to you and his family.
September 29, 2017
Friend
Martina Halsey
I am blessed to have shared a few feet of life's path with Richard and Tina. The sun will be shining less brightly without Richard on this earth. I am honored to have been fortunate to know him.
August 28, 2017
Friend
Francois De Visscher
Dear Tina, Geoffrey and Jamie , It hard for me to believe that Richard is no longer with us . Your dad, your husband was the definition of a perfect gentleman... kind , fair , funny , honest and straight and always lending a helping hand ! So when we all learned a few years ago that he was being treated , all of us wanted to be there to support him , our friend , partner and colleague and this all the way through his long battle !! Unfortunately , none of us could alter God's plans for him ! Long gone are the days together in London , Martha's Vineyard and Greenwich but Richard's spirit , contagious laugh and kind manners will always be with us . With love and sympathy ,
August 26, 2017
Dear Tina, Geoff and Jamie, I have just learned of Richard's passing. Very sad and hard to believe, as he was such a fighter. Suffice it to say that I valued greatly our time together as attorney-client and more importantly as friends. I will miss him.
August 17, 2017
Mark Wheaton
I had known Richard for many years, before he became a colleague at Lancaster and what always stood out was that he was a good and decent man. I last saw him 4 or 5 years ago, waiting in line at the ferry to Martha's Vineyard and he indicated he had been sick. My thoughts are with his family, and for whatever comfort it can be at this time, please know he was well respected by his colleagues
August 13, 2017
John McNeil
Very sad to hear of Richards passing.
We were colleagues at Wood Gundy for many years
Although we had not seen each other for a while
We kept in touch occasionally.
A great investment banker with a global vision.
August 10, 2017
I'm so sorry to hear of your loved and deepest condolences are extended to you. Something that's helped me through the death of loved ones is to reflect on 1 Corinthians 15:26.
August 8, 2017
He will be missed beyond words. We love you, Grandpa Richard!!
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