Rolland Edward Allen

February 17, 1933 – July 8, 2025

Rolland Edward Allen, affectionately known as “Big Zeek,” passed away peacefully on July 8, 2025, at the age of 92. A longtime resident of Chula Vista, San Diego, Rolland was born on February 17, 1933, in Long Beach, California, to Charles Allen and Louella Nadine Brown.

Rolland dedicated over 30 years of his career to the Gerber Baby Food Company, where he worked as a sales representative. He was widely respected for his work ethic, dependability, and straight-shooter honesty—traits that defined every area of his life.

A devout Catholic, Rolland was a longtime and faithful parishioner of Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Chula Vista. His faith was a cornerstone of his life, and he attended Mass regularly, living out his beliefs with quiet strength and deep conviction.

Athletic and full of spirit well into his later years, Rolland was a regular on San Diego’s senior softball fields, where he was known for his presence and sense of humor. He had a deep love for watching sports and NASCAR on television, and he also cherished the quiet companionship of his beloved cat, Giliato.

Rolland is survived by his three children: Katherine Grace Carpenter, Douglas Edward Allen, and Michael Kennedy Allen; as well as his four grandchildren: Michaela Nicole Allen, John Daniel Carpenter Jr., Matthew Kennedy Allen, and Zoie Kennedy Allen. He is also survived by his siblings: Betty Burris, Lory Garcia, and Leonard Allen.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Louella Allen; his sister, Dorothy “Dot” Rymer; and his brother, Roy Allen.

A Catholic funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at Glen Abbey Mortuary in Bonita, California. The visitation will begin at 12:00 PM, followed by the funeral service at 1:00 PM. A graveside procession and burial will take place at 2:30 PM.

Rolland will be deeply missed by his family, friends, teammates, and all who had the pleasure of knowing his faithful spirit, straightforward charm, and calming presence.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

— 2 Timothy 4:7

The family will share time with appetizers and lite fare at Little Chapel of Roses in Glen Abbey Memorial Park and Mortuary