Joseph Anthony Alizzi Allen

Mr. Joseph Anthony Alizzi Allen, age 90, of Winchester, VA, died Wednesday, June 12, 2013, at his home. He was born in 1923 in Philadelphia, PA, the son of the late Antonio and Grazia Morelliti Alizzi. Mr. Allen was a veteran, having served in the U. S. Navy, and was a member of Christ Episcopal Church.

Mr. Allen was a determined individual who was known for setting goals and obtaining them. He was a successful business man who moved to Winchester in the mid 1960’s. His passion became his company, Allen Properties, which developed full service, fast food restaurants, night clubs, and hotels. In the early years he and his late wife Evelyn owned and operated Duff’s Rebel Restaurant, Cabaret Lounge and Quality Inn Motel. Together they opened one of the first Kentucky Fried Chicken Franchises in the country. Throughout the years he continued his success by developing additional Kentucky Fried Chickens, Arby’s, Sonic Drive-In restaurants, as well as Hampton Inns, Holiday Inn Express, Fairfield Inn hotels.  Mr. Allen was a dedicated member of the Winchester Community. He was active with many organizations including Winchester Rotary Club, Masonic Lodge, Shriners International, and American Legion; as well as a trustee on the board of Shenandoah University from 1988-2006  where he has a scholarship fund in his name. As an avid republican he hosted many events and fundraisers for presidents, governors, senators and congressmen.

Joe’s proudest moment was earning his GED at the age of 77. In the years to follow, he more than doubled the size of his company; creating jobs and employing hundreds of people. Known as a philanthropic man, he was a great mentor to his family and many others in the community. In his spare time he enjoyed golfing, crossword puzzles, and was an avid football fan. In the winter months you would find him at his home in Florida where he appreciated spending time with his family, sitting by the pool and dining out.

Surviving are his sons, Joseph (Jay) B. Alizzi  and his wife, Brenda, Michael A. Allen and his fiancé, Tammy Martin, all of West Palm Beach, FL,  daughter, Justine A. Allen of Inwood, WV; two step-daughters, Deborah Duff Griese  and Donna Duff Hauser; and loving companion and fiancé, Diane Collis; three grandchildren, Kerri Bloom, Jason Alizzi and Jacob Allen; two step-grandchildren, Troy & Tracy Calvert, seven great grandchildren, J.D. and Lauson Alizzi and Hannah Bloom, Cameron Calvert, Andrew Sweat, Troy and Ryan Calvert; two nieces, Denise Connahan and Grace Gibson.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Debbie Alizzi, son, Robert J. Allen, and five sisters and one brother.

The family will receive friends on Monday, June 17, 2013, from 5:00 until 8:00 P.M. at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel.

A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, June 18, at Christ Episcopal Church with Reverend Webster S. Gibson officiating. Entombment will be in Shenandoah Memorial Park.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to honor the memory of Mr. Allen may be made to Winchester Rotary Coats for Kids Fund – CFNSV, 203 Salem Church Road, Stephens City, Virginia 22655.