Edward F. "Ed" Allen

Edward F. “Ed” Allen, 72, of Rockford, passed away on Tuesday, March 23, 2021.

Ed was born in Mineola, NY on July 28, 1948, son of Edward and Dorothy (Harte) Allen. He graduated from Chaminade High School, Class of 1966. Ed received his Bachelor’s Degree from Concordia University and also attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He was employed with Grumman Aerospace Corporation in New York for many years and was proud to work on the lunar module as well as the F-14 Tomcat.

Ed married Mary Neumann on March 1, 1969 in New York. He was devoted to his faith and a longtime member of the Cathedral of St. Peter in Rockford. He was an avid golfer and talented engineer who could build or repair anything. He enjoyed traveling the world which included going on many cruises. Most of all, Ed cherished his time spent with family, especially his dear grandchildren. He will be dearly missed.

Surviving relatives include his wife, Mary Allen; 3 daughters, Jennifer (Michael) Grady, Elizabeth (Paul) Heitkamp and Victoria (Pӓr Lundvik) Allen; grandchildren, Maureen and Maggie Grady, Emily and Matthew Heitkamp and Daisy Lindvall; nephews, David and Robert Rothenberg and Garrett Harte. Ed is predeceased by his parents and sister, Kathleen Rothenberg. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Swedish American Hospital, including the Cancer Center, Dr. Einhorn and nurse, Joan.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at the Cathedral of St. Peter, 1243 N. Church St. Rockford, IL 61103. Those attending services must wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines. A Celebration of Ed’s Life will be planned for a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Northern Illinois Food Bank, 765 Research Pkwy, Rockford, IL 61109.

Arrangements entrusted to Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 3910 N. Rockton Ave. Rockford, IL 61103. Share online memories and condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com