Obituary of Vernon Allen, Jr.

Vernon Allen, Jr., a retired Malden Firefighter and longtime resident of Peabody, passed away at his home on Tuesday, December 31, 2024.  He was 71 years of age.

Born in Shelby County, Tennessee and raised in Malden, he was the son of the late Vernon, and the late Mary Jane (Eckberg) Allen. 

Shortly after graduating from Malden Schools, Vernon enlisted in the Massachusetts National Guard and worked at a Stop and Shop bakery. He was married in 1977, had two children: Jeremy in 1981 and Danielle in 1982.

Vernon was appointed to the Malden Fire Department in August, 1987, where he served for over three decades and won the Firefighter of the Year award in 1994 and 2007. He retired in 2018 due to deteriorating health. In his retirement he enjoyed golfing, gardening, fishing, and most of all, being Papa Bear and spending time with his grandchildren.

Vernon is survived by one son, Jeremy Allen of Peabody; and one daughter, Danielle Prashar and her husband Dinesh of Bedford.  He is also survived by five grandchildren, Shantal Valle, Jaidev Prashar, Shivani Prashar, Isabella Allen, and Liam Allen; and he was the brother of Cheryl Allen Finkel of New York City, NY, Charlotte Allen of Lake Park, GA, Linda Hutchinson of Malden, MA, Millie Reppucci and her husband Franny of Malden, MA, Wendy Allen of Lake Park, GA, and the late Carol Dillon of Henderson, NV.

A visitation will be held at the Graham Funeral Home, 3 Arlington Rd. (cor. of Pleasant St.) Woburn on Saturday, January 11, 2025 from 1:00-3:00 pm.  In lieu of flowers, please contribute to your favorite charity in Vernon’s memory.

God saw you getting tired 

and a cure was not to be, 

so He put His arms around you, 

and whispered, "Come to me.” 

With tearful eyes we watched you, 

and saw you slip away. 

Although we loved you dearly, 

we could not make you stay. 

A golden heart stopped beating, 

hard working hands at rest, 

God broke our hearts to prove to us 

He only takes the best.