John Robert “Johnny” Allen, Jr.
Born on June 19, 1970 in Miami, FloridaDeparted on July 7, 2021 in Palm Bay, Florida
John Robert “Johnny” Allen, Jr., 51, a resident of Palm Bay, Florida completed his journey at 1:47pm on July 7, 2021.
Johnny was born on June 19, 1970, in Miami, Florida to John Robert Allen, Sr. and Linda Ann Allen. At the age of three he was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). By the time Johnny was 10 years old he had complete loss of sight. Linda, Johnny’s mom, was very determined not to raise a handicapped child. She fought for many of the handicapped programs that are available today in our school system. Due to Linda’s diligence in Johnny’s life, and his best friend Ernesto “Ernie” Verger, he was a three time marathon runner, carried the Olympic Torch, and was a black belt in Judo. In 1988, he traveled alone and competed in the Paralympics in Seoul, Korea bringing home the bronze medal for third place in his Judo competition. For many years, his faithful service dog Clifton was by his side. There was no stopping this young man.
He loved everything history especially anything about the Civil War. He was also a diehard Miami Dolphins fan. He even had his very own NFL email fan club where his friends would come together with their picks of the week. In December of 2020 he took a fast decline in his health while the doctors were treating him for diabetic neuropathy. It was not until April 2021 that we learned he had a very rare case of neuropathy called neuropathy, ataxia, and retinitis pigmentosa (NARP).
At 17 he met his first love Patricia Fain; they have a son John Robert “Robby” Allen III. On June 21, 2003, he married his wife Kelly, and they have a daughter Elizabeth Marie Allen. John is preceded in death by his loving mother, Linda Ann Allen. He is survived by his loving wife, Kelly Jean Allen; their daughter, Elizabeth Marie Allen; his son, John Robert “Robby” Allen III; father, John Robert Allen Senior; sister, Sherry Ann Covey along with her husband Larry Joseph Covey and her son, Brandon John Fernandez.
A Celebration of Life will be held on August 7, 2021, at 2pm at Grace Bible Church, 3620 Bayside Lakes Blvd., SE, Palm Bay, FL 32909; followed by light snacks and fellowship. Please consider honoring his passion for the Miami Dolphins by wearing their jerseys or colors at his Celebration of Life.
