Allen Leroy Virgillo

Allen Leroy Virgillo, Sr. went to his heavenly home on August 16, 2022. He was 94 years old.

Allen was born on October 29, 1927 to Joseppi (Joseph) and Ellen Virgillo in Tacoma, Washington as the youngest of five boys. He graduated from Lincoln High School and joined the U.S. Navy at age 18. There, he proudly executed his administrative duties in the mailrooms of various ships, including the USS Midway, until his retirement 20 years later. Upon returning to Tacoma, he gained employment with the state of Washington's ecological center in Olympia and diligently worked there for 24 years before retiring.

In 1947, Allen met his first wife, Marjorie Stephenson, while attending a radio broadcasting for service men and women where he got to sing on the radio with other service personnel. The two married in 1948 and had six children, Allen Jr., Jerolyn, Linda, Judith, Jodeen, and Eugene. They eventually divorced but stayed involved together with their children.

In 1961, Allen married Carol Dirdley, who had a child named Cynthia Louise. Allen and Carol were married 54 years. Allen was most proud of being a father, so much so, that when Allen's first wife had two more children, he graciously took on a father figure role for them as well and they often lovingly referred to him as "daddy." According to Judith, it may have been an unconventional family, but they were happy and they all looked after each other.

In his latter years, Allen married his former sweetheart, LaRue Baber, who he had previously dated more than a half a century prior. They had reconnected on Facebook and realized they still carried a torch for one another. LaRue passed away in June 2021 with Allen by her side.

During his life, Allen endeavored to serve the Lord. Despite the mistakes that often come with being human, he found grace and forgiveness in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Allen was very musically inclined and enjoyed playing his accordion and Gibson guitar for the Lord. For several years, he volunteered at his home church of Bethel Baptist Church in Spanaway, Washington as a sound and recording technician during church services. He was very, very competitive and loved playing Phase 10, UNO, Skip-Bo, or Dominoes Mexican Train with anyone who would dare play with him.

Allen is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, his son Eugene, Marjorie's son Randy Dean and several of his grandchildren. He is survived by his son Allen (wife Cathy) Jr., daughters Jerolyn, Linda (husband Tom), Judith (husband Daniel), Jodeen (husband Larry), Helen, and Cynthia; 24 grandchildren, 54 great grandchildren, and 11 great-great grandchildren