Paul Raymond Allen, 60, died unexpectedly on January 12 at Danbury Hospital, surrounded by his loving wife of 30 years, children, and family. Mr Allen was a lifelong resident of Newtown.

Having spent four years at Carson Long Military Academy in Pennsylvania, he then returned to Newtown Public Schools. Mr Allen entered into the plastics industry, inspired by his father's work. He initially worked for his father's companies, Allen Molders and Logic Devices. Over the years, he worked for many plastic companies, becoming a prolific mold maker. He was currently employed as tooling manger for Technical Industries in Torrington. His life and work gave him many opportunities for travel in the United States and abroad. He enjoyed taking trips for both business and pleasure.

Having spent much of his youthful years as a "gear-head," he enjoyed weekends in the stands of Danbury Fair Racearena, eventually giving stock car racing a go at Plainville Stadium. His love for driving was never lost, as his countless vacations and spontaneous road trips with his wife and five children fulfilled his passion to be behind the wheel.

Mr Allen was known as a man who would never turn away someone in need of a helping hand. His charitable nature made him well loved by all who knew him, as well as those who simply encountered him at his usual coffee stops.

His wife, Andrea Soares Allen; and his five children and their spouses, Derrick and Kamila Allen, Gabriella and Gregory Merlo, William Allen, Dominique Allen, and Helen Allen, survive him. Mr Allen is also survived by his mother, Dolores Allen; his four sisters, Grace Terry Allen, Randi Kiely, Linda Villafano, and Susan Middlebrook; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

His father, Paul E. Allen, predeceased him.

In joyful celebration of Mr Allen's life, the family invites all to an open house on Sunday, January 22, at Stony Hill Volunteer Fire Department in Bethel, from 1 to 5 pm.

Memorial donations can be made to Stony Hill Volunteer Fire Department, 59 Stony Hill Road, Bethel CT 06801.