Stephen J. Allen, Jr. passed away on April 13, a victim of the coronavirus having contracted COVID-19 while recuperating from a medical procedure. Steve was a lifelong resident of Dorchester who grew up in Fields Corner and settled with his wife Susan in Cedar Grove
where they raised their five children.
Steve
was a photographer from a young age, a craft he learned from his dad, Stephen Sr. He worked for many years in retail photography and management as a longtime employee of Underground Camera and Claus Gelotte Camera. His motto was “The customer is always right.”
Steve
spent many years at a local newspaper for the Dorchester Argus-Citizen and South Boston Tribune before starting his own local paper, Neighborhood Photo News. He was a staple at community and local political events across Dorchester and South Boston always
ready with his camera and a smile. He captured many special moments big and small at weddings, communions, graduations, and other family and neighborhood events; he was active over the years on the Dorchester Day Parade Committee, Dorchester Board of Trade,
and Cedar Grove Civic Association. He also volunteered services to many community organizations, especially to St. Brendan’s School and Parish where he raised his family.
Steve leaves behind
his wife Susan of Dorchester, his daughter Lisa Allen Brown and husband Robert of Abington, son John Allen and his wife Diana of Melrose, son Thomas Allen and his wife Sarah Cronin of Providence, RI, daughter Jennifer (Allen) Coughlan and husband Paul of Quincy,
and daughter Rosemary Allen of Brooklyn, NY.
Beloved son of Anna
and Stephen Allen Sr. who predeceased him, Steve is survived by his sisters Jean Sweeney and her partner Greg Kelley of Medford, Marty Allen of Milton and Mary Allen of Florida. Steve loved his grandchildren very much and they will miss their Papa dearly -
Abigael, Anna and Marley Brown, Cora and Shea Coughlan, and Johnny Lee Allen.
He is also survived
by nephews Dan Tempesta Jr. and Michael Sweeney and their families, along with many friends. Due to current circumstances interment will be private with a celebration of life to take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in
Steve’s name to the St. Vincent De Paul Society of St. Ann/St. Brendan Collaborative, 15 Rita Rd, Dorchester, MA 02124 or to South Boston Special Kids and Adults c/o East Boston Savings Bank, 708 East Broadway, South Boston, MA 02127.