Charles Augustus Allen, passed away on December 21st at his home in Titusville, Florida at the age of 91. He would have celebrated his 92nd birthday on Dec. 23rd.

Charles was the beloved husband of 15 years to Joanne Seymour Allen and 41 years to the late Loretta T. Allen. Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA,

Charles was one of the Greatest Generation, a World War II Hero, enlisting in the Navy at the young age of 17. After 26 years of devoted service, he retired as Lieutenant Commander. His vast naval career took him to all four corners of the earth attached to various squadrons, including the famous “Top Hatters” VF-14, the oldest Navy squadron in continuous operation. Charles was assigned on the USS Forrestal, USS Saratoga, and USS Hancock Aircraft Carriers; He was also a member of the TBM-Avenger Air crewmen aboard the USS Fanshaw Bay, receiving the Presidential Unit Citation Medal for extraordinary heroism during Naval combat operations from March through September, 1945. He also received many other awards, citations and medals. After an illustrious career in the Navy, Charles worked as an electrical and aeronautical engineer, becoming an expert on various aircraft logistics including the FA-18 Hornet and the Harrier, to name a few.

His expertise was acknowledged by NASA and when Charles was 74 years old, was hired as a consultant to study the logistics for the International Space Station and was involved in the logistics support planning and operations manual starting in the year 2000 to support the ISS for 20 years.

Aside from his successful careers serving our nation, Charles created Aerodyne Industries in 1968, becoming a Flight Instructor offering several levels of pilot certifications. Charles was an avid swimmer, track star (The Shadow), violinist and loved to recite poetry. But, his thirst of knowledge was ever evident as he earned his PhD in Aerospace Engineering while in his 60’s and took lessons in piano, tap dancing, German, computer, and received his real estate license.

Charles had even more accomplishments; his 5 children, 10 grandchildren, and his 11+ great-grandchildren. He is survived by his sister, Ruth Titzer, and by his loving children, Valerie M. Greco, Matthew C. Allen (Sharon) of, Andrew M. Allen (Brenda), Janet B. Assetto (Robert) Catherine A. Carlozo (Anthony), and his step-children, Suzanne Seymour, of, Robert Seymour Jr. (Zoanne), John Seymour, Renee Luton (Chris) and Christina Schweter. He is preceded in death by his parents, Louis & Mildred Thuerrauch, Brother, Raymond Thuerrauch, sister, Dorothy Sankey, and wife, Loretta T. Allen.

Charles affectionately named all of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren his shining stars that created the “Allen Galaxy”.

Charles’ family will be receiving condolences on Friday, December 30, 2016 from 9:00 until the start of his Funeral Mass at 10:30am, St. Bede the Venerable Church, 1071 Holland Rd, Holland, PA 18966. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Bensalem, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Aerodyne Industries, LLC, Dr. Charles A. Allen Memorial Scholarship Fund via the Launch Credit Union, Kennedy Space Center, FL. Checks can be mailed to PO Box 21202, Kennedy Space Center, FL. 32815.