Rev. Richard T. Allen, O.S.A. (1936-1999)
Rev. Richard T. Allen, O.S.A., entered eternal life on March 20, 1999.
Richard Thomas Allen, son of Dr. Duff and Mildred (Burns) Allen, was born January 24, 1936 in St. Louis, Missouri. He had a twin brother, an older brother and two sisters. He was baptized on March 1, 1936 at Annunciation Catholic Church, Ladue, Missouri.
He attended elementary school at Our Lady of Lourdes School, St. Louis, graduating in 1950. He began his high school education at John Burroughs High School, St. Louis. Later, he transferred to Cascia Hall Preparatory School, Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he graduated in 1954.
Richard was received on September 9, 1955 into the Augustinian Novitiate. He professed simple (temporary) vows in the Order of St. Augustine on September 10, 1956 and solemn (permanent) vows on September 10, 1959.
He earned a B.A. in Philosophy at Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania, in 1959. He then studied Theology at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C., earning an M.A. in 1963.
He was ordained a priest on February 2, 1963 in Chicago, Illinois.
Father Allen's first assignment was in 1963 to Mendel Catholic High School, Chicago, as both a teacher and administrator. In 1967, he was transferred to Augustinian Academy, St. Louis, and served as both a teacher and administrator. He was transferred in 1968 to St. Rita High School, Chicago, where he was both a teacher and Assistant Principal. During that time, he earned an M.A. in School Administration from DePaul University, Chicago. He was named Headmaster of Cascia Hall Preparatory School, Tulsa, in 1972.
In 1979, Father Allen went to Tolentine Center, Olympia Fields, Illinois, for renewal studies. He was named Treasurer of the Province in 1980. He served in that office until 1991. In 1988, he was appointed as Prior (Superior) of the Augustinian Monastery at Tolentine Center.
He served as a member of the Province Council from 1983 to 1999.
He was transferred in 1992 to St. Joseph Parish, Pekin, Illinois, where he served as Associate Pastor and Prior of the Augustinian Community.
Father Allen was named Pastor of St. Jude Parish, New Lenox, Illinois, in 1993, at the time when the Augustinians began their ministry to the parish. He continued to serve as Pastor until the time of his death.
Father Allen's life was characterized by great service as a priest and dedication to his many responsibilities in the Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel. He was continually learning and brought wisdom and expertise to the positions he held in the in the Province. He was also a computer expert.
He will be remembered for his kindness and generosity in teaching others to work with computers while fulfilling his regular duties at the same time.
Father Allen died on March 20, 1999 at St. Joseph Hospital, Joliet, Illinois, a week after undergoing exploratory lung surgery.
He is buried in the Augustinian plot at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip, Illinois.
Memorial gifts may be made to: The Midwest Augustinians, 10161 S Longwood Dr, Chicago, IL 60643-2032 or via our Online Giving Page.
