Stephen George Allen, 82, of Wilmington, DE, died from pneumonia on February 13, 2026, after a brief hospitalization. He was born in Washington, DC, on May 30, 1943, the first of four children of George and Ruth Allen.
Steve moved with his family to Boise, ID, in 1949, then to Claymont, DE, in 1952. He graduated from Claymont High School in 1962. Just before his sixteenth birthday Steve was diagnosed with schizophrenia which created many struggles for him, especially during his adolescence. Steve continued to reside with his parents and then his widowed mother until 1991, when he became a resident of the first group home for people with mental illness in Delaware, Brandywine Hills Group Home. Steve lived there for 33 years until he needed greater medical care and moved to a nursing home. Steve’s family will be forever grateful for the care and support he received at Brandywine Hills.
Steve loved reading, especially poetry and books about philosophy and religion. He read his hometown newspaper, The Washington Post, every day, as well as many other periodicals. He also enjoyed listening to music, especially jazz. Steve liked to browse at Barnes & Noble or Baldwin’s Book Barn followed by a visit to the Charcoal Pit which always ended with a hot fudge sundae and a big smile.
Steve is survived by his brother Mark Allen (Josee), his sister, Louise Allen, and many cousins, nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother Charles Allen (Jessica).
A memorial gathering for family will be held at a later date and burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to NAMI, National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2400 W 4th St, Wilmington, DE 19805 (namidelaware.org).
