Wilber L. Allen Jr. ’79

Our classmate and prolific photographer Bill died Aug. 14, 2016, in Upper Montclair, N.J., of a chronic heart condition.

Bill came to Princeton from the Bronx via the Hackley School. His initial sights were set on the sciences, but a stint at The Daily Princetonian changed all of that. Bill quickly became a ubiquitous and indispensable photographer on campus, and he decided to pursue his love of sports through photography and writing. He was the business manager of our 1979 Nassau Herald yearbook, and his photographs were featured throughout.

After graduation Bill worked for various news outlets and secondary schools in Northern New Jersey, never missing major high school and college sports events. He later established New Jersey Sport/Action Photo. His evocative photography and colorful writing were well known to and appreciated by the athletes and their parents. One said, “He wrote his articles with passion for our kids! The man behind the camera with his Princeton cap will be missed and sports in this town will never be covered the same.”

Bill is survived by siblings Patrice and Rick; several nieces and nephews; and many friends he gained in his travels who appreciated his kindheartedness and ready offer of assistance to anyone in need. We extend our sympathies to them.