Apropos of his signature keen wit and playful personality, Mel was born in Connecticut on April Fool’s Day to Maurice and Dorothy Allen. Throughout his youth, Mel developed his strong intellect through avid reading and his love of athletics as a multi-sport competitor. He rounded out his years in New England by earning his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Massachusetts where he met his future wife and soul mate, Maryann (Coskren) Allen. Mel and Maryann were happily married for 56 years.
After serving in the army at Fort Belvoir, VA, Mel received a Master’s Degree from George Washington University and lived with his family in Woodbridge, VA and Malvern, PA before settling in Spotsylvania in 1989. Mel enjoyed a long and successful career in computer software sales.
Mel achieved great satisfaction in sharing his time and talents with the youth of his community. Mel coached several high-performing travel soccer teams, sharing his knowledge and passion for the game. He also enjoyed his tenure as a substitute middle and high school teacher and youth mentor. Both as a coach and educator, Mel preached that “practice doesn’t make perfect; perfect practice makes perfect.”
Mel was an active member of St. Matthew’s Catholic parish ministry. He helped found the Knights of Columbus Chapter for St. Matthew’s and dedicated his scant hours of free time to establish and grow the parish ministries and the religious education program.
As a father, Mel has bestowed an eternal sense of optimism and selflessness upon his five children, Kathleen, Tom, Steve, Chris, and Sheila. Mel leaves his eight grandchildren with the lasting impression of a playful grandfather who adored them all unconditionally. With an intellectual curiosity that could never be quenched, a sense of humor that fed many lively dinner conversations, and an optimism that trumped any troubling circumstance, Mel has left an enduring legacy that will be felt by all who knew him.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, May 14, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Mullins & Thompson, 1621 Jefferson Davis Highway, Fredericksburg, VA 22401. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday at 1:00 p.m. at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 8200 Robert E. Lee Drive, Spotsylvania, VA, 22551.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Matthew’s Organ Fund.
Online condolences may be sent at mullinsthompsonfredericksburg.com.
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