Former State Rep. Bob Allen, a Pottsville Republican who represented the 125th Legislative District for nearly two decades, died Saturday morning. He was 81.
Schuylkill County Republican Committee Chairman Gary Feathers confirmed Allen’s death in a message to party members Saturday.
“It is with a heavy heart that I share the sad news of the passing of another pillar of the Schuylkill County Republican Party, Bob Allen,” Feathers wrote.
Feathers said Allen and his wife, Peggy, helped grow, strengthen, and shape the county party over the past 40 years.
“Their commitment, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the Republican Party and our community will not be forgotten,” he wrote.
Allen served nine terms in the state House, from 1989 through 2006. During his time in office, the district covered central and western Schuylkill County, along with part of Northumberland County in his first two terms and part of Berks County in his last two.
Former State Rep. Mike Tobash, a Republican who held the 125th District seat from 2011 to 2020, said Allen convinced him to run for it.
“Bob Allen was a dear friend, mentor, and supporter of me when I held office. We both represented the 125th District, and he was instrumental in convincing me to seek the seat he held for many years before me,” Tobash said. “His leadership can be seen in many of the great economic growth projects that make our region what it is today. From paving the way for Cabela’s to come to our area to the establishment of the Highridge Industrial Park, his legacy will live on throughout the area. I’m deeply saddened by his passing and the recent passing of Peggy, his beloved wife.”
“The Honorable Bob Allen was a true statesman who served as an example of how to represent our neighbors,” State Rep. Tim Twardzik said. “He offered support and, more importantly, advice to me when I began my term in the House of Representatives. He and his wife, Peg, set a high standard and will be missed.”
Before he went to Harrisburg, Allen was mayor of Pottsville from 1976 to 1981. He then worked as legislative liaison for the state Department of Environmental Resources from 1983 to 1985, and as deputy secretary of legislative affairs in the Governor’s Office from 1985 to 1986.
Schuylkill County Commissioner Gary Hess, a former Schuylkill Haven mayor, said Allen served with distinction in both jobs.
“I had a lot of respect for Bob. I consider him a friend. Bob was a very approachable leader. He worked with and helped everyone,” Hess said. “His service as Mayor of Pottsville and his service as State Representative were with distinction. As a former mayor, I would like to say, ‘Job well done, Mayor Allen.’ God bless and rest in peace. As you know, we have a saying: ‘Once a mayor, always a mayor.’”
“As a young mayor of Pottsville, as an assistant to Governor Thornburgh, and as a veteran State Representative and Committee Chairman, Bob was a great friend, and very dedicated to our region,” State Sen. Dave Argall said. “I will miss him.”
Allen was born in Pottsville on Oct. 14, 1945, and graduated from Pottsville High School. He earned a business administration degree from Lycoming College in 1968 and graduated from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. He was a licensed funeral director and part owner of the Allen and Pugh Funeral Home in Pottsville.
In the House, he was appointed to a select committee investigating the divestiture of state general hospitals in 1990. He also served on the Pennsylvania Milrite Council in 1993 and 1994.
Former State Rep. Tim Seip, a Democrat who succeeded Allen in the 125th District, said he grew up knowing Allen as a neighbor.
“Growing up on South Centre St. in Pottsville, I remember Bob Allen being the mayor and a dedicated public servant,” Seip said. “Regularly, I would see him making a timely stop at Pic a Deli for milk or needed items on his way home to Forest Hills.”
“Seeing him as a neighbor, someone I knew growing up, really made my transition to public servant following him as Representative for the 125th so much more seamless,” Seip said. “I was able to consult him on ongoing matters in the district as I took office, and I recall joint delivery of overlapping state grants, like we were able to do for the Paraclete Foundation in Pine Grove. Bob will be remembered for his advocacy for Schuylkill County and our area, and for his longevity in public service.”
After leaving the legislature, Allen ran Bob Allen and Associates, a consulting firm, from 2007 to 2020. Since 2021 he had been a partner in Allen-Goodman & Associates, a political consulting firm.
“Great guy, good friend. You can’t say enough good things about him. He was a real legislator. Some of the guys are OK; he was great,” Schuylkill County Commissioner Boots Hetherington said. “He wasn’t just a person. He was a legend. He brought so much back to the county as a legislator. Bob was always fun to be with. I’m going to miss him.”
“Bob was an absolute gentleman who had the knack of politely and professionally taking over any situation that was thrown his way,” State Rep. Jamie Barton said. “We were lucky to have him here in Schuylkill County, and I was blessed to call him a friend.”
His death comes two months after that of his wife of 52 years, Margaret “Peggy” Allen, who died Sept. 17 at age 75. The county party honored her at its October dinner.
“He was a wonderful guy,” State Rep. JoAnne Stehr said. “The best advice he ever gave me was, ‘When you’re winning, keep your mouth shut.’ He was an icon for the community. The last time I had an opportunity to speak with him, he had just lost Peg and his heart was absolutely broken. May he rest in peace with her now.”
Feathers said he would share funeral arrangements once they are available.
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