Allen Robert Stein

OBITUARY
It’s hard to summarize the life of someone who often seemed larger than life. 

Allen Robert Stein, 90, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on December 31, 2024.    

Allen was a man of integrity, drive, wit and intelligence. He was adored by his family and friends and revered by his employees, colleagues and customers.                 

He was born in Brooklyn, New York on February 20, 1934, to Lillian and Jack Stein and became the youngest sibling of Bernice and Howard by 12 and 10 years, respectively. His family suffered from financial hardship and, with both his parents working to try to make ends meet, Allen often felt sad, lonely, and worried.  These early experiences shaped Allen’s character. The despair he felt as a child transformed into a deep desire and determination to succeed and live each day to the fullest.   

He was able to meet these lofty goals with the unwavering support, patience and love of Merna, his wife of 69 years. Whether it was raising a family, travelling the world or watching Jeopardy, whatever they did, they did together. He adored Merna and referred to her as “my darling” and “my one and only.”  

Allen was full of ambition and had an exciting marketing and merchandising career in retailing and manufacturing. His creativity, leadership and ability to connect with the customer made him a prized buyer, manager, and executive vice president at department stores including Gimbel’s, Sterns and The Hecht Company, and later as executive vice president of Shaw Industries’ Sutton Division. Over the years, Allen motivated, influenced, and inspired (and probably at times, stressed out) those who worked with him. People were drawn to his keen sense of humor, unending charm and ability to strategize on the spot.   

As much as he worked, Allen was also able to live out his belief that nothing was more important than family. He adored his daughters, admired his sons-in-law (who he lovingly considered his sons) and was amazed by almost everything about his grandchildren Alex and Sadie. He was generous with encouragement, advice, and praise.   

Allen believed in surrounding yourself with good people both professionally and personally. He and Merna enjoyed wonderful and fun-loving groups of friends in both Springfield, NJ and Atlanta – and he was always happy to kibbitz with or befriend anyone at any time.  

He is survived by his wife, Merna, daughters Bari-Lynn Calais (Ian Buda) and Debra Mazur (Dan) and his grandchildren Alex Calais and Sadie Mazur.  

He will be deeply and dearly missed by all who knew him.  

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Allen may be made to Ahavath Achim Synagogue: https://aasynagogue.org/support-us/donate/, Jewish Family & Career Services: https://jfcsatl.org/, or a charity of your choice.  

A graveside funeral will be held on Friday, January 3 at 3:30 p.m. at Arlington Memorial Park with Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal officiating. Shiva will be from 6 – 8 p.m. on Saturday, January 4 and Sunday, January 5 at 750 Park Avenue, Atlanta 30326.  

LIVESTREAM: Please click here to attend the funeral service via livestream.