Allen T. Newman

Allen (Tonky) grew up in South Philly, the son of a Kosher butcher and a homemaker. He eventually worked his way through Temple undergrad and Law School as a waiter in pre-casino Atlantic City. In 1963, he married the love of his life, Joy, and became the father to her three young children. Allen and Joy had two more children and lived an adventure and love-filled life.

After practicing law for numerous local and national clients, Allen “retired” into the hospitality industry where, with his partners, he opened and ran several trend-setting restaurants in Manayunk, including Sonoma and Kansas City Prime. You could often find him there, dapper in a double-breasted suit and long gray ponytail, drinking a cold vodka and treating everyone like family. He was still going into the Manayunk office late into last year.

Allen was the epitome of style and grace, warmth and compassion, wisdom and sage advice. He was the patriarch of his family and his many friends, providing stability, insight, and guidance. He is already deeply missed. 

Allen loved slathering himself in tanning oil, laying by his pool, and telling you continuously how warm the water was. He loved traveling all over the world with Joy, especially on trips to Africa to see the animals. He loved eating chocolate, salami sandwiches, and white fish. Above anything, he loved being surrounded by his family.

Allen is survived by his wife Joy (nee Criss) and four of his five children--Neil Faggen, Scott, Rhonda Evans, and Lauren and is predeceased by his son, Tony. Allen is also survived by many grandchildren and great grandchildren, all who loved him deeply, and he them.

Per Allen’s request, there will be no funeral service or sitting of shiva. Allen did request that when we celebrate his life, together or singly, that we do so with a glass of vodka. The family will be celebrating Allen sometime in late May or early June and will reach out to family and friends with details of that event.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Allen T. Newman, please visit our floral store.