Allen Lewis LeHew

He was born on October 18, 1958, in Charlottesville, Virginia, to Dr. Willette Lewis LeHew and the late Myrene Putnam LeHew.

Allen is survived by his beloved wife, Judy Brockman LeHew, his cherished daughters, Lauren LeHew Phipps and Casey Jane LeHew, his son-in-law, Ian Phipps, his stepson, Brian Barsanti (Ally), his stepdaughter, Stephanie Barsanti, his granddaughters, Josephine “Joey” Phipps and Camille “Millie” Barsanti. He is also survived by his father, Dr. Willette LeHew (Mary Louis), his sister, Julie LeHew, his brothers William “Bill” LeHew (Sheri) and Charles “Scott” LeHew, nephews Michael Groseclose, William Groseclose, David Groseclose, William “Billy” LeHew, Jr., and Charles “Chas” LeHew, nieces Erin Cox and Alexis “Lexie” LeHew, aunts Ernestine Tyler and Jayne Putnam, uncle Richard LeHew (Betty), stepdog Scarlett, and countless cousins and great nieces and nephews.

Allen was the oldest of four children and was raised in Norfolk, Virginia. He graduated from Maury High School and attended Old Dominion University. From delivering newspapers through the streets of Larchmont, lifeguarding at the Virginia Beach oceanfront, and opening a restaurant in the heart of Ghent, he established deep roots in the Tidewater area and built many lasting relationships during his young adulthood in Norfolk.

Allen moved to the Outer Banks in 1999 and, in collaboration with his lifelong friend, John Power, opened the doors to Duck’s Cottage Coffee & Books in 2002. Allen became far more than the owner of a coffee shop during his years in Duck. He was a beloved pillar of the community, known for his warmth, kindness, quick wit, welcoming spirit, as well as his dazzling smile and infectious laugh.

Allen had a remarkable gift for remembering people and making everyone feel at home, whether they visited every day or only once a year. The overwhelming outpouring of love and memories shared by friends, neighbors, and customers reflects the lasting impact he had on anyone who had the honor of knowing him.

In 2023, Allen traded in his Rainbow flip-flops for Muck boots, and moved to Amherst, Virginia to start a new chapter in retirement, leaving Duck’s Cottage in the very capable hands of one of his founding employees, Jamie Anderson.

Allen was a true Virginia gentleman who quickly learned the art of gentleman farming. As with all things, Allen was immediately “all in” on his new farm life in Amherst, picking up and truly mastering more hobbies and passion projects in retirement than most could in their entire lifetime. From beekeeping to starting an apple orchard, he could do anything he put his mind to. On any given day, he could be found riding his tractor, pruning his apple trees, or tending a vegetable garden side by side with Judy. The home they created is a very special place that their family will cherish for generations. Allen and Judy enjoyed traveling throughout Virginia and visiting museums and historical sites while always keeping an eye out for the best baked goods each small town had to offer.

Family was the center of Allen’s world, and he was an incredibly devoted and attentive husband, father, and grandfather. He was the most thoughtful gift giver and delighted in spoiling his girls. Of all the roles Allen held in life, none meant more to him than being “Dad” to Lauren and Casey and “Grandpa” to Joey. His extraordinary bond with Joey was evident to anyone who knew him. Their special relationship was marked by profound love, endless joy, and a connection that was truly one of a kind. Allen was Joey’s biggest cheerleader, and she will forever cherish their summers together on the farm at “Camp Grandpa.”

Allen was a member of the Duck Volunteer Fire Department for many years. He was an avid UVA athletics fan and was a baseball and basketball season ticketholder. He enjoyed genealogy and Virginia history and was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. He contributed to the Cowpasture River Preservation Association and the C&O Historical Society based in Clifton Forge, Virginia.He will be dearly missed, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.

A memorial service will be held at Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 401 N. Main St., Amherst, VA 24521 on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 1:00 PM. A celebration of Allen’s life will also be held at a later date in Norfolk, VA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Piney River Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 33, Piney River, VA 22964.