Wayne J. Uccellini, 80, passed away peacefully on Jan. 8, 2026 surrounded by his loving family. Wayne was born in Norwalk on April 29, 1945. Son of the late Bert and Elizabeth (Kaiser) Uccellini.
Wayne was a lifelong resident of Westport and a graduate of Staples High School, class of 1964. Wayne also attended and graduated from Transylvania University (Lexington, Kentucky) class of 1968. He served in the US Army from 1968 until 1970, and was stationed at the Pentagon as an illustrator.
Wayne was the former owner and chef of Westport’s Allen’s Clam and Lobster House and Stratford’s Allen’s East, which he owned and operated with his family for more than 40 years.
After transitioning from the restaurant industry, Wayne served as the kitchen manager at Osborn Hill Elementary (Fairfield, CT) where he was fondly known as “Mr. Wayne” by the students and staff. In his free time, Wayne was an avid boater and fisherman, spending time on Long Island Sound and Lake Taunton. He also spent countless hours training his beloved dogs.
Wayne is survived by his loving wife, Karen (Miller), of 57 years, with whom he raised three children; Jennifer Hios (Peter), children Megan and Kyle of Fairfield, Tollie Barrato (Christopher), children Ashley, Sophia, and Charlotte of Fairfield, Matthew W. Uccellini (Kim), children Isla and Shea of Richmond, Virginia. He is survived by his sisters, Cheryl Spillane, Janis Pascarlla (Jim), sisters-in-law Sally Uccellini (Douglas) and Hilde Uccellini (Ronald), as well as many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is predeceased by his brothers, Ronald G. Uccellini, Douglas Uccellini, brother-in-law Edward Spillane, and sister-in-law Judith Uccellini.
Wayne was a beloved mentor to many young people who passed through the doors of Allen’s Clam and Lobster House over the years. His greatest legacy is not only the delicious food he served, but the leadership, loyalty, and work ethic he demonstrated to his devoted family, friends, and community.
The family will be holding a gathering to honor and celebrate Wayne’s life at a future date. Details will be made available by the Harding Funeral Home.
I was so sad to see that Wayne has passed. I was looking him up to thank him for the years of mentorship and friendship while I worked for him at Allen’s Clam House.
I just cooked fish for my wife and without Wayne in my life I don’t know if I would have the courage to get it right, or wrong, every time.
My sons both went to work in restaurants due to my influence, but it all really came from Wayne. Our greatest joys as a family involved food and we all cook for the joy of it
My heart goes out to Karen and family. He was a great man and he will be missed.