Allen B. Townsend, 97, of Egg Harbor Township, entered into God’s kingdom peacefully on October 10, 2026, at The Shores, a UMC community.
Born on August 31, 1929, at Scotch Hall in Ocean City, New Jersey, Allen was the son of the late Dr. John B. Townsend and Edna Sonenwald King. He was also predeceased by his stepmother, Matilda Boose Townsend; stepfather, Judge Franklin King; brother, Dr. John B. Townsend, Jr.; and great-grandson, Julian Tarves.
Allen was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife, Joanne; sons, Mark of Mullica Hill and John of Estell Manor; daughters, Linda and her husband, Rob Aponte, of St. Cloud, Florida, and Laura and her husband, Gavin Taormina, of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania; and stepsons, Robert Gillinder and his wife, Kristy, of Pflugerville, Texas, and Michael DeFranco and his wife, Anne Shuniak, of West Chester, Pennsylvania.
He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jessica Tarves of Houston, Texas; Shannon Tarves of Marmora, New Jersey; Kyle Townsend of Ocean City, New Jersey; Brooke Townsend of Richmond, Virginia; and Katelyn Zubey of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania; step-grandchildren, Isabella Gillinder and Noah Gillinder, both of Pflugerville, Texas; and his faithful companion, Molly.
The family extends special thanks to Kathleen DeFranco for the many fried peanut butter sandwiches she shared with Allen and to Brian DeFranco for always being there whenever he was needed.
Allen graduated from Ocean City High School in 1949, where he played football and served as senior class president. He continued his education at Susquehanna University, Monmouth College, and Stockton College, as well as a South Jersey trade school specializing in air conditioning and refrigeration. He later earned a certificate in engineering from Temple University.
Allen proudly served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army Signal Corps in Germany during the Korean War from 1949 to 1953. A board-certified electrical contractor in New Jersey, he owned and operated Beesley’s Point Enterprises, Inc. He also dedicated 40 years of service to the New Jersey Highway Authority, working as an electrical supervisor for the Garden State Parkway.
A lifelong supporter of service and community, Allen was a member of the Boy Scouts of America as a child. He remained actively involved in the Ocean City Masonic Lodge No. 171, the Crescent Temple of the Shriners, and the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. He was also a founding sponsor of the National Museum of the U.S. Army.
Allen was a longtime member of Central United Methodist Church in Linwood, where his faith was an important part of his life. He enjoyed boating, embraced his enthusiasm for technology, and remained a faithful Philadelphia Eagles fan.
Allen will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his commitment to his work and community, his enduring faith, and the many personal connections that enriched his life.
Services are Tuesday, October 20, 2026 with viewing 10 until 10:45 a.m. with service at 11 o’clock all in Central United Methodist Church, Linwood.
Burial will followed at Seaside Cemetery in Palermo, New Jersey.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org
Arrangements are under the direction of The Godfrey Funeral Home of Ocean City. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.godfreyfuneralhome.com
