Allen Actman

Allen Actman. May 3, 2025. Devoted husband of Diane Actman (nee Lobel). Loving father of Laurie Actman (Chris Johnson) and the late David Actman. Beloved grandfather of Ella Johnson, Crosby Johnson, and Darcy Johnson. Allen, known to many as ‘Ack,’ was a devoted and charming presence in the lives of his family and friends who loved taking care of others and was infamous for both his sense of humor and frugality. Over the years he made friends with people from all walks of life and always saw the potential, rather than the limitations, in everyone he met.

Allen was born and raised in West Philadelphia and Overbrook, which he described as magical places to grow up during the 1940s and 50s and frequently drove his children and grandchildren back to the old neighborhood to reminisce. Allen loved running into people he knew everywhere whether it was the bank, the Bala Cynwyd Starbucks where he famously held court for many years or the local Acme. He especially enjoyed spending time with his lifelong childhood friends, his Penn State Beta Sig fraternity brothers as well as his neighborhood poker club which has met weekly for almost 50 years and graciously continued convening at the assisted living facility where he and Diane moved last year.

For most of his professional life Allen was the President of Ack Displays, Inc. a business founded by his father that created custom displays for tradeshows on behalf of many large companies based in Philadelphia. He also founded with a small group of parents the Judith Creed Horizons for Achieving Independence, a non-profit organization that supports adults with disabilities to live as independently and happily as possible, including his son David. He was presented with a special award for his longtime service as a Board Member several years ago which made him immensely proud.

More than anything else Allen was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He met Diane on a blind date, and they were married for 62 years. He unconditionally supported his children David and Laurie, his nieces and nephews and their friends. Allen embraced his son-in-law Chris and his family after a brief period of hazing, and more than anything else took extraordinary joy in being an active presence in the lives of his grandchildren Ella, Crosby and Darcy. He loved spending time with them eating brunch at Hymies, grabbing cheese steaks at D’Alessandro’s or hanging out together at Starbucks to hear the latest gossip. He specifically shared with them all the life lessons he could including his advice on politics, history, who to marry and how to use discount coupons.

Finally, he believed a house is not a home without a dog and loved spoiling and feeding brisket under the table to Kelly, Meg, Bella, Chloe and Greeley over the years.

Relatives and friends are invited to graveside services on Monday May 12, 2025, at 2 PM at Roosevelt Memorial Park, 2701 Old Lincoln Highway, Trevose, PA 19053. Shiva will be observed with a nosh and some vodka in honor of Ack at the home of Laurie Actman and Chris Johnson on Monday following the service. Contributions in Allen’s memory may be made to Judith Creed Horizons for Achieving Independence (JCHAI), www.jchai.org