Francis Olcoft Allen IV ’32

SIX YEARS AGO Frank suffered a crippling stroke, which left him disabled and speechless; he finally died Dec. 26, 1991. This was a tragic end to a distinguished career in both scholarly and practical pursuits.

After graduating from Princeton, Frank studied at the Oriental Institute in Chicago and became an Egyptologist. For several years he did important archaeological work in Egypt with both the Univ. of Chicago and Harvard. During WWII his knowledge of the Near East led to employment with O.S.S. and the office of War Information. in 1947 he joined the Foreign Service and thereafter held assignments in Iraq, Germany, Egypt, and South Africa, where he was consul general in Durban. In 1965 Frank transferred to the Defense Intelligence Agency, where he served as a Middle East analyst until he retired in 1980.

Frank was accomplished in a wide range of subjects, including archaeology, Near East history, international relations, art, and music. He also knew several languages, including Arabic. He was a good singer, a sailing enthusiast, and a genial companion. A loyal Princetonian Frank had the satisfaction of seeing his twin sons, Peter W. Allen and Francis 0. Allen V, graduate from Old Nassau in 1976.

In addition to them, survivors include Frank's wife of 44 years, Priscilla Wright Allen; his eldest son, David L.; a daughter, Priscilla May; and two brothers, Jerome C. and Langdon C. '38. To all of them the Class extends its deepest sympathy in the loss of this talented and productive man.

The Class of 1932