Arthur A. “Butch” Allen Jr, 69, of Haverhill, passed away Friday, May 8, at his home surrounded by his family after fighting a battle with cancer.
Born in Spartanburg, S.C., he was the son of the late, Arthur A. Allen and Shirley (DeRoche). His family relocated to Haverhill where he was raised and attended Haverhill public schools and Haverhill High school.
Allen was employed as a laborer for the City of Haverhill highway department for more than 12 years. A true musician at heart, he decided on a career change, he left the highway department and followed his dream to play as a professional musician. He toured as the base guitarist for the bands, “Special Delivery” and “Out of the Box” and “The Cellar Brothers.” In the early years he played some country and later he played classic rock and roll. Being on the road for so long helped him appreciate his time spent at home.
He leaves his wife of 43 years, Evelyn M. (Torrey) Allen; son, Arthur A. Allen III, North Andover; sister, Jacqueline Ball, of Cape Coral, Fla.; step children Michael Marini, of Kingston, N.H., Gregory, Marini, Richard Marini, Edward Marini, and Keith Marini, all of Haverhill, Sherry Ferronetti, Newton, N.H., Rene Biggart and her husband, Michael, also of Haverhill; niece, Tracy Ball, 23 grandchildren and several great grandchildren.
Friends and family are invited to call Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main St. Haverhill. Funeral services are Thursday morning at 10 in the funeral home. Burial will follow at Walnut Cemetery, Kenoza St. Haverhill.