He graduated in 1936 from Rutgers University with a degree in electrical engineering and joined the Army the same year.

Van Allen served in World War II and the Korean war. He was assigned to Panama, Boston, Kansas, Korea, Georgia and the Pentagon.

His decorations included the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star and the Croix de Guerre.

After serving 29 years, Van Allen retired from the Army in 1965 as a colonel.

After leaving the military, he became Bishop Estate's project coordinator for Kamehameha Schools, working his way up to the top spot in the land division. He retired from that job in 1985.

Following the death of his wife of 52 years, Victoria, Van Allen married Hazel Bretzlaff. For the nine years until she died, the two pursued a life of philanthropy, working with an endowment Van Allen established with Rutgers University and, more extensively, on behalf of the Bretzlaff Foundation. The two split their time between Honolulu and Reno.

Van Allen married Nancy Boyle five years ago, and the couple continued Van Allen's dedication to charitable work.

Among the many Hawai'i organizations to benefit from the Van Allens' work were Honolulu Academy of Arts, Bishop Museum, Honolulu Symphony, Hawai'i Theatre, Salvation Army, Boys and Girls Clubs, and the University of Hawai'i.

Reno also benefited extensively from Van Allen's charitable work, as did agencies in Michigan, Washington and California.

Van Allen is survived by his wife, Nancy, and her children, Susan Boyle Slawson Thomas and David Boyle; his sister, Charlotte Johnston; his nephew, Christopher; his niece, Diane and his cousin, Arthur Ellison.

A celebration of Van Allen's life will be held in Honolulu in January.

The family asks that those who wish to honor Van Allen send donations to the Bretzlaff Foundation, 165 West Liberty St., Suite 210, Reno, NV 89501.