John F. Van Allen, Jr.

John “Jack” Francis Van Allen, Jr., age 89, passed peacefully at his home in Newtown Square, PA, on July 5^th, 2023.

He was the son of John F. and Helen Theresa (nee McAnany) Van Allen of Bala Cynwyd, PA.

A graduate of the 1951 Class at Malvern Preparatory School, Jack played football and baseball and participated in theatre. At Villanova University, he entered into the NROTC program with the Class of 1955, later earning his wings at Pensacola Naval Air Station in Florida.

Jack spent his career as a Sales Manager with United Insurance Company of America and served as an officer and aviator in the U.S. Navy.  Jack was also a longtime Phillies and Eagles fan since childhood. His children and grandchildren revered his passion for sports trivia, including his ability to name the starting pitchers in each game of the 1950 World Series. He seldom missed a game.

He is survived by his wife, Joan Delano Van Allen, and four children, John Van Allen, III [(Kate) (deceased)], Jill Van Allen Nestor (Ed Nestor), Mary Elizabeth "Mimi" Van Allen Tadeo, and Stephen F. Van Allen. He is also survived by his six grandchildren, John F. Van Allen IV, Matthew Nestor, Emily Nestor, Michael Tadeo (Francesca), Amanda Tadeo, and Matthew Carey (Angela), as well as eight great-grandchildren; his sister, Mary Lou Colman (Tom), and brother, Rodger Van Allen (Judith).  He is predeceased by his sister, Helen Regina Van Allen.

Friends and family are invited to his Celebration of Life on July 18^th, 2023 at The Donohue Funeral Home, 3300 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA  19073, 610-353-6300.  Visitation to take place 10:00 to 11:00 AM.  Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Interment to be held privately.    

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jack’s memory would be appreciated to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY  10306, https://t2t.org/.