David B. Allen, 54, balloonist

David B. Allen, 54, of Media, owner of Magical Mystery Flights, a hot-air balloon business in Media, died Thursday of cardiovascular disease at Brandywine Hospital in Coatesville. Earlier in the day, he piloted a balloon with passengers over Chester County. He collapsed shortly after the balloon landed, his wife, Janet Weymuller Allen, said.

Mr. Allen was a fifth-generation balloonist. An ancestor, Ira Allen, made his own balloon in the 1870s after seeing them in use during the Civil War.

Eddie Allen Jr., Mr. Allen's grandfather, performed as a daredevil stunt balloonist for years until he was injured in the 1970s.

In 1986, two years after his grandfather died, Mr. Allen established Magical Mystery Flights, offering year-round morning sunrise flights and evening rides from May to October. He told a reporter in 2000 that over the years the balloon gondola had been the location for 93 marriage proposals, including two at the same time.

Mr. Allen usually flew over Chester County, taking people on half-hour and hour-long ascents. He also successfully competed in balloon accuracy and distance contests.

Before establishing his company, he had been a controller for the Arco refinery in Philadelphia. He grew up in Newtown Square and graduated from Marple-Newtown High School.

Mr. Allen was a talented singer and songwriter, his wife said, and had "a passion for adventure." He enjoyed hiking, camping, hang gliding, and white-water rafting.

In addition to his wife of 21 years, he is survived by a daughter, Alaina; his father, Edward B. Allen; and three brothers.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. today at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, where he was a cantor, Franklin and Monroe Streets, Media. Burial will be in Arlington Cemetery, Drexel Hill.