Kent Edward Allaway, a Wilmington, Delaware resident and veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, died February 13, 2026, surrounded by family, according to an obituary published by McCrery & Harra Funeral Home.
Allaway, 61, was born at Dover Air Force Base while his father served in the Air Force. He spent much of his life connected to Delaware’s coastline, growing up with family in Lewes and working summer jobs in Rehoboth Beach. The obituary detailed a fondness for the Delaware beaches, specifically mentioning time spent walking the Rehoboth boardwalk and frequenting Candy Kitchen.
Following his military service, Allaway pursued a career in the hospitality industry, working as a bartender and DJ before transitioning into restaurant management. He ultimately found his niche in the convention business with PMA, where he specialized in planning meetings and large-scale conventions. The obituary noted he was actively involved with PCMA and “mentored many” at PMA, building lasting professional relationships.
Allaway is survived by his wife, Karen and son, Connor, as well as his father, Jack (and Jack’s wife, Sandie), brother Scott (and Scott’s wife, Jessica), and sister-in-law Deb (and her husband, Thom). He is also remembered by nieces and nephews Isobel, Bodhi, Kyle, Finley, and Nathan. His mother, Melissa, and stepfather, Dave, predeceased him.
Beyond his professional life, Allaway was described as a passionate cook with a talent for recreating dishes without relying on recipes, viewing them merely as “guides.” He enjoyed preparing meals for friends, family, and neighbors, and was known for his skill in smoking ribs and brisket using a Big Green Egg smoker.
McCrery & Harra Funeral Home has locations at 3924 Concord Pike and 3710 Kirkwood Highway in Wilmington, Delaware. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the firm, according to their website.
