Robert John Allen, 73 of Zephyrhills, Florida formerly of Niles died April 10, 2013 in Tampa Florida.

He was born November 3, 1939 in Warren, Ohio the son of William and Etta May Coy Allen.

He was a 1957 graduate of Howland High School and played baseball for the Tiger's ,Warren AA Hardball League, Republic Steel league, and then to Lakeland Florida on various softball teams winning numerous titles throughout Florida. Bob retired after 41 years of service in 1999 as a crane operator and in the shipping department at Republic LTV Steel Coated Products.

Although his first love was his wife and girls. Bob's other love was playing ball. From a little boy at Packard/Perkins Park to The Little League World Series to winning the Senior World Series of Softball in 1992 and winning the Title of Most Valuable Player. He was inducted into The Senior Softball Hall of Fames in 2009. Bob also enjoyed following the Cleveland Indians, Ohio State Buckeyes and watching Taylor play ball.

Bob married his sweetheart Maria Angela Pirlo Allen on July 17 1965 and RJ and Tex squeezed hands for over 47 years of marriage. He is also survived by two daughters Lorrie Paschke and her husband Mark of Howland and Joy Allen of Mineral Ridge, a bonus grandchild Taylor Petersal, a sister Martha Tirlea and her husband Nick of Georgetown, Kentucky, an aunt Roberta Williams of Warren, four nephews, David, Bill, Nick, and Jeff, and numerous cousins, great nieces and great nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, a brother William Allen, father-in law and mother-in law James Frank and Violet Pirlo, sister-in-law Martha Allen.

Friends may call Saturday May 18 2013 from 2 to 4PM at The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles.

Memorial services will be held 4:00PM Saturday May 18 2013 at The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles with Pastor Nathan Howe officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family is setting up The Robert J. Allen Memorial Scholarship Fund at any Huntington Bank to be given to a High School graduate who intends to continue the love of ball in college.