Allen Paul

Allen Richard Paul, Rich, Richie or Ricky as many knew him left this world the morning of December 29th and went to join family members and friends in the great beyond. He was taken from this earth by this global pandemic that has wreaked havoc on the world this past year. His death will be remembered in our world history just as the historian in him would have wanted.

Rich graduated from Marple Newtown Senior High and lived in Marple Township for the last 65 years.  He loved his community and the history it held and has been involved with historic preservation for the last 27 years. He has been the Chairman of the Delaware County Heritage Commission, president and then treasurer of the Delaware County Historical Society as well as the Property Director and Vice President to the 1696 Thomas Massey House and worked diligently to found the Susan Lucas scholarship fund. Rich worked with state representatives to establish and pass the “forgotten cemetery day” and to gain funding for cleaning up and preserving the cemeteries that have long since been overgrown. He worked hard to preserve the tangible links of our past.  Most recently working with the African American Community to help clean up and recognize the Hayti cemetery with a marker on the national historic register. Many freed black soldiers that fought for the freedom of others in the civil war are buried there and Rich felt that they deserved the nations honor and respect.

He was a person that didn’t just talk about being the change he wanted to see in the world but stood up and made it happen.  Rich was a man of honor, a Navy veteran serving in the Vietnam war, a writer, a gardener, and above all else a friend. He had a lust for life, storytelling and a very dry red wine. He loved mysteries, adventures, long drives, conversation and music. He had a love of the outdoors and a kindness that went above and beyond. He instantly made you feel comfortable and at home and was never too busy to chat.  He has touched so many lives in this community and those that new him were all the better for it.

He is survived by his wife Patricia Anne Paul, his children John and Janine Paul , Kate and Brian Batzel, and Elizabeth Paul, Grandchildren Ben and Reid Batzel and Ami and Kara Paul, 2 sisters Janet Mauer and Dorothy Jessup and countless other relatives that only Rich was able to stay connected with over the years. He was one of the greats, gone, but never forgotten.

Due to the limitations pertaining to COVID-19, the family will be having a Celebration of Life in at a later date when all family and friends will be able to attend.

The family respectfully requests that anyone who wishes to express their condolences at this time, do so by sending a donation to the 1696 Thomas Massey House at

Thomas Massey House, P.O. Box 18, Broomall, PA 19008