Robert Allen Obituary, Death Cause – The passing of Robert Allen has left the people of Paterson, New Jersey, in a state of mourning. Laughter, love, and an unfaltering commitment to those closest to him made up Bobby’s life from the day he was born on May 20, 1969. Even though his absence is indescribable, those fortunate enough to have known him will hold his memory in the highest regard in perpetuity.
Robert A. Smith Sr. and Valerie Smith-Johnson welcomed their son Bobby into this world in Paterson. Bobby attended Paterson’s public schools during his formative years and earned his diploma from Eastside High School in 1987.
Bobby showed an early and consistent interest in athletics, with a focus on boxing, where he went on to win many championships. Because of his abilities, he traveled to many states, where he competed in competitions and made an impression.
Music was another one of Bobby’s many passions outside of athletics. He was a delight to be around because of his incredible keyboard skills and natural voice mimicking abilities.
Bobby loved his children more than anything else in the world. A devoted parent, he treasured his time with his children and worked hard to inculcate in them the virtues of love, compassion, and perseverance.
Bobby was an active and dedicated community member who enjoyed sports, music, and working as a dispatcher for the Paterson Fire Department and the Paterson Police Department.
He continued his devotion to public duty by serving as an auxiliary police officer, further displaying his steadfastness in protecting his fellow residents.
Bobby began a new chapter in his life in 1997 when he moved to Atlanta, Georgia, to become a long-distance truck driver. While he was in Atlanta, he discovered a place of refuge and belonging at New Birth Church in Decatur, Georgia. It was there that he wed LaShunda Walker in 2003, the love of his life.
Bobby valiantly tried to save his daughter Brianna from a deep pool at a Paterson hotel on July 4, 2009, but tragedy happened. Bobby heroically rushed to her rescue, but he unfortunately had a heart attack while doing so. Bobby was kept on life support despite heroic attempts to rescue him until his Heavenly Father brought him home on February 28, 2015.
