Ellsworth, ME -- J. Walter Allen, 89, of Ellsworth, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 15, 2016.

Walter was born on Vinalhaven, August 17, 1927, the son of Richard O. and Bertha M. Allen.

He is survived by his wife Bertha C. of 65 years and their two daughters, Andrea Allen (Steve Juskewitch) of Dedham and Elise A. O'Neil of Somesville; his seven grandchildren are Tyler Harmon of Medford, MA, Ryan Harmon of Windermere, FL, Ellen Juskewitch of Charlestown, MA, Ezra Juskewitch of Somerville, MA, Spencer O'Neil of Westbrook, ME, Emily O'Neil of Portland, ME, and Dennis O'Neil of Bangor, ME; his sister Jean A. Travers of Brewster, MA, also survives him.

Following his graduation from Higgins Classical Institute in 1945 he attended The University of Maine at Orono and enlisted in the US Navy. After graduating with a mechanical engineering degree in 1950, he embarked on a career in the Federal Civil Service at the Naval Underwater Systems Center, Sonar Development Division located in New London, CT. Upon retirement in 1978, he returned to Bar Harbor, where he managed the Bar Harbor Club.

Walter was an avid tennis player, Philatelist, and Red Sox fan. He founded the Union River Stamp Club in Ellsworth, and was instrumental in the development of Downeast Horizons in Bar Harbor.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2016 from 4 to 6 pm at Jordan-Fernald Funeral Home, 1139 Main Street, Mt. Desert.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com