Harry M. Allcock, Jr., of Wilmington, died Sunday, June 1, 2014, at the age of 81.
Mr. Allcock had an illustrious 40-year career with IFI Claims Patent Services. He joined IFI in 1961 after graduation from George Washington University with a degree in business administration. He served as the company’s vice president for 35 years and had the opportunity to observe and help bring about some of the key events that shaped the United States patent industry as we know it today. In 2007, he was awarded the International Patent Information Award which recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to the patent and scientific community.
An avid golfer, Mr. Allcock was a member of Country Club of Landfall in Wilmington and Lakewood Country Club in Rockville, Md. where he also served as president. Not only was he passionate about the game of golf, he was also incredibly skilled and had the pleasure of playing in the Kemper Open Pro-Am as the partner of Jack Nicklaus.
He greatly enjoyed spending time surrounded by his family and friends. An incredible chef, his parties were famous, including the American Chemical Society’s appropriately named “Harry’s Party” which is still thrown in his honor each year and even has its own website.
He was an enthusiastic storyteller who loved to share with others his many life experiences. His favorite stories involved giving back to the Wilmington community that he enjoyed being a part of. Mr. Allcock loved retelling the time that he and a good friend were instrumental in setting up a catered meal for Russian sailors who were stranded off the coast.
One of his favorite stories involved a woman in a poor North Carolina community. She’d gone on the radio to say her Christmas wish was to drink champagne out of a fluted glass. He traveled for hours that Christmas until he found her and proudly presented her with a set of glasses, a bottle of champagne and a generous monetary contribution.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Sadie Allcock and his first wife, Ann Allcock.
In addition to his wife, Marilyn, Mr. Allcock leaves behind his four children, Stephanie Rico (Vincent), Jeffrey Allcock (Robin), Chrissie Bartlett (Chris, deceased) and Shannon Allcock (Ann); nine grandchildren; siblings, Patricia Queen (Stanley), Charlene Perry (Earl, deceased) and James Allcock (Mary); sister-in-law, Patricia Haas; numerous nieces and nephews; and a multitude of dear friends.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, June 9, 2014, at the Kenan Chapel in Landfall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401.
Please leave online condolences for the family at Andrews Mortuary.
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