Joseph Thomas Allen

Tommy is survived by his loving wife Deborah of 44 years, Bailey (dog), Toby (cat), sister Janet (Don), sister-in-law Susan (Felton), sister-in-law Elizabeth (Jerome), numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. Tommy is proceeded in death by his parents, Joseph Jr and Shirley; his loving dog, Annie Rose; and numerous family and friends.

Tommy and Deborah met while they were in High School. Deborah won a CB radio. She and a friend listened to it on the way home from work. Tommy and his friend were on the CB radio too. The four of them met and started dating. Tommy and Deborah got married and the friends did too. Tommy and Deborah’s marriage lasted until his death.

Tommy grew up in the Beacon Hill area and graduated from Groveton High School in 1977. Tommy’s Grandfather was a guard at George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and his Aunt worked at Mount Vernon too! Tommy loved telling people that as a boy, he explored every niche of George Washington’s property, including many areas that visitors usually don’t see.

Tommy volunteered as a Dale City Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician from 1980 to 1995. He drove fire trucks, fire engines, and ambulances. He even drove fire engines from the factory in Florida to the fire station in Dale City, VA. Tommy developed life-long friends within the Prince William Emergency Response Team. Tommy also volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, helping to build and repair houses in the Woodbridge area.

Tommy began driving motorcycles in his teens. In 2006, he bought a red Harley and joined the local Harley Owners Group (HOG). Tommy and Deborah developed friendships with the HOGS, joining them for monthly HOG Nite Out and other activities. Tommy participated in many fundraising HOG runs and made sure that when they collected toys for kids, that the kids would have plenty of batteries for their toys.

After working in the Nissan Automotive Industry for 34 years, in 2011, Tommy changed careers and went to work for the National Park Service at the National Mall until he developed heart problems and had to retire in 2022. On his way to work, Tommy would pick up a handful of tourist brochures and was always ready to help tourists with brochures, directions, and information. He especially enjoyed meeting Honor Flight and Tuskegee Airmen Veterans. Tommy had a way with animals and helped in the training of a police dog to target marijuana. One of the Park Service Draft Horses who did not trust many people got loose. Tommy spotted the horse and, because the horse trusted him, he was able to lead her back to the stables.

Tommy’s sister’s family enjoyed car racing, so Tommy attended Saturday night races at Old Dominion Speedway. When his niece, Heather, started working at the Snack Bar, Tommy enjoyed nothing more than teasing Heather while she worked.

Tommy loves and helps his family and friends. He is very close to his niece, Heather, her children, her dog (Bella) and her partner, Joey. When Deborah’s parents were ailing, Tommy made them his special spaghetti and did a lot of chores around their house. He helped neighbors clear their sidewalks and driveways with his snowblower. He cut grass for friends who were hurt.

Tommy loved walking his dog, Annie Rose, target practice at Shooters Paradise, and riding his beloved Harley. Tommy and Deborah enjoyed going to Camp Jeep and the Chincoteague Pony Roundup. They also enjoyed going out to breakfast and grocery shopping on Sunday mornings and meeting friends and family for lunch and dinner at their favorite restaurants.

Per Tommy's wishes, there will not be a service. If you have a fun story, memory, or photos of our beloved Tommy, we ask you to please share them here.

To honor Tommy Allen, please send donations to Inova Schar Heart & Vascular Institute or Dale City Volunteer Fire Department. Or donate to your favorite charity in his name.