Benjamin Allen

Benjamin F. Allen, 69, Owner of The North End Bar and Lucky Horseshoe Lounge, died September 13th from a heart attack after a long struggle with kidney disease. Mr. Allen was born in Richmond, VA, where he was raised by grandmother. He later lived in Indiana and New York City for work and school, before settling in Chicago. Mr. Allen dedicated much of his professional career to public service and the fast-paced world of Democratic politics. For over thirty-five years, Mr. Allen worked throughout the country on numerous presidential campaigns. Using his exceptional logistic and budgetary skills, he supervised both state campaign offices and young workers out on the trail. Pete Giangreco, who was college student when he worked with Mr. Allen on the Hart campaign said, "He kept me alive in 1984". Through the years Mr. Allen also extended his considerable talents to numerous state and aldermanic campaigns in Illinois. In 1985, Mr. Allen moved into state government, as the Executive Assistant to Illinois Attorney General Neil F. Hartigan. Mr. Allen also assisted the Deputy Attorney General in administrating the legal talent and litigation matters in the office. "Ben was one of the most competent and efficient persons I have ever worked with. He was an absolute added value to our work in the office." said Michael J. Hayes Sr., former Deputy Attorney General. After leaving government service Mr. Allen concentrated on his private business interests. Allen is survived by his husband, Micah Hilgendorf. His mother, Forestene Nelson, and his father, Ashton Allen, preceded him in death.