Obituary of Wilbert L Allen

Bill Allen, Jr. Wilbert L. “Bill” Allen, Jr., was a sports writer and photographer. He died unexpectedly on Sunday, August 14, 2016, in Upper Montclair, New Jersey, from a chronic heart condition. He was 58 years old. Bill was born on September 1, 1957 to Bill Allen, Sr. and Maxine Rigaud Allen. They lived in the Williamsbridge section of The Bronx, New York. He attended New York City Public School through his elementary school years. In seventh grade, seeking greater academic challenges, Bill’s parents enrolled him in The Hackley School in Tarrytown, New York, where he lived on weekdays and came home on weekends. He was graduated in 1975. With an interest in sciences, he was accepted to Princeton University. Working at the university’s newspaper, he was quickly recognized as a talented photographer. He abandoned his studies in favor of pursuing his passion. In August 1977, The New York Times published three of Bill’s photos—two at the top of the front page—as he captured the moments following a bomb blast at the Mobil building on 42nd Street. Bill chose to pursue his love of sports through photography and writing, working for news outlets and secondary schools throughout northern New Jersey. In later years, Bill established New Jersey Sport/Action photo. He took photos of high school and college events and wrote colorful articles that captured pivotal moments of any sport. Perennially “on deadline,” he was driven to “be there” for major high school and college sports events and share what he saw through evocative photos and writing. His work highlighted the achievements of young athletes with skill that led one parent to write: “Oh boy…did he write his articles with passion for our kids like no one else! His alliterations will never be matched but the man behind the camera with his Princeton cap & his Mount Saint Dominic’s shirt will be missed…and sports in this town will never be covered the same.” Bill was divorced and lived alone in his family’s home in Upper Montclair, but he was never alone because he befriended everyone he met. He kind-heartedly offered assistance to everyone in need. His family is enormously saddened by his passing, following their Mother’s death in 2011 and their Father’s death in 1987. Bill is survived by his sister Patrice and her husband John of Washington, D.C., and brother Rick and his wife Trish of Richardson, Texas, as well as by a niece Bridgette, and nephews Mark, Todd, and Richard.