Newtown Square Fire Company is sad to pass on the information that former member Robert Allison, Sr. passed away on Wednesday 1/3/24. His son Bob Allison informed us Robert was in Florida and had been placed in hospice last Saturday. Even though he no longer lived locally, we were fortunate to still visit with Bob when he returned to Newtown Square for our 100th anniversary parade, Ben Mitchell's funeral, and the opening of the time capsule from the old station. We remember his wife, son and family in our thoughts and prayers. Below is a bit of history about Robert from NSFC Historian, Preston Tyrrell:

Long before Robert Allison was a fire fighter, he had his first trip to the firehouse. “Little Bobby Allison” as he was once reported in the newspaper, was a member of Newtown Square Boy Scout Troop 1 which was charted by the Newtown Square Fire Company. The troop is now present-day Troop 122 which meets in Broomall.

Robert Allison would return the fire company and among his multiple accomplishments be the only member to hold the position of Fire Chief, 1971 & 1975, and President, 1974. Both before and after holding these positions he held a variety of other positions and offices in the fire company.

Of particular interest, Robert headed the committee for the 50th Anniversary Parade and housing for the new firehouse in 1966. Oddly enough, the parade route had an odd and winding route, which took it past his house on Beechwood Road.

50 years later, with his son Robert Jr, also a member as his side, he once again led the fire company parade, this time for the 100th Anniversary, and tamer route which was straight up West Chester Pike.

His last “Official” task as a member of the fire company was in 2022 when he oversaw the opening of the time capsule that he helped close in 1966 which was in the corner stone of the old fire house.