Richard Allam's Obituary
Richard (Dick) Allam was born to God loving parents, Michael Allam and Amelia Anton,
on Friday, May 13, 1932. Dick graduated from Judge Memorial Catholic High School in
1950. He had an interesting and successful High School career, which included being
student body president, the male lead in the annual senior play, the winner of the
annual oratorical contest, and the recipient of many awards as a talented dedicated
athlete. He was a 3-sport starter in football, basketball and baseball. Dick was selected
as a 1st team All-State player in football in his Junior and Senior years and was an
outstanding contributor to Judges' consecutive state Class B football championship in
1948 and 1949.
Dick was also named as an All-American Football player, an award given from the Wig
Wam Club. This honor was unanimously endorsed by the sportswriters of the Salt Lake
Tribune and telegram news. He was ultimately granted a full-ride baseball scholarship
to Santa Clara University in California. Dick and his father were asked to attend a
meeting at a local Salt Lake Hotel with a representative from the Saint Louis Browns
Major League Baseball organization (now the Cardinals), where he was offered a
professional contract to play for them; however, Dick and his father wanted to honor his
college offer first. Dick served his country in the Army, including 13 months in Korea.
He was awarded a bronze star and was discharged later. Upon returning home he rediscovered
the lovely Phyllis Tabish, the daughter of family friends, and quickly realized
what love at first sight meant. Dick has always said this meeting was one of the greatest
blessings of his life. Dick and Phyllis married June 18th, 1955, and soon they were the
parents of six fantastic children. Dick retired from the SLC Public Utilities (Water Dept.)
as a supervisor in 1995. During retirement, Dick and Phyllis visited many faraway
places and spent many precious, fun filled summer vacations with their children and
grandchildren camping along mountain streams in many of the western states,
capturing lifelong memories. Dick and Phyllis lived and loved their Catholic faith,
attending daily mass together for several years. Dick is preceded in death by his
parents and sisters. Darlene (Hal), Patsy Jean, (Bill) grandson Joshua Allam, and many
aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends. He is survived by his wife Phyllis, children
Tina Barakat (Sarkis, deceased) Richard (Gladys) Michael, Edward (Jinane) Michelle
(Paul), Anthony (Carolyn, deceased), brother Robert, sister Lorraine (Lynn deceased)
19 grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. The Funeral Service will be held at
St.Jude Maronite Catholic Church on Friday, December 29th.at 11:00 a.m. Special
Gratitude for Dignity Home Health and Hospice service, with special thanks to Lea,
Dad’s hospice nurse. In Lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude Maronite Catholic
Church building and maintenance fund. To leave condolences/comments for the family,
visit Premier Funeral Services website: www.premierfuneral.com/obituaries.
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