Allen Slack High

Allen Slack High was born in Philadelphia in 1932, the son of Kathrynn I. Benkmann and Milton R. High, a WWII Merchant Marine.

Like his father, Allen took great pride in serving his country. Upon graduating Glen-Nor High School, Norwood, PA in 1951, Allen joined the Air Force and trained as a linguist at Yale for his Far East assignment, of which there would be many in his 11-year military career. His first mainland assignment was in Wash, DC, where he met Charlene “Charlie” Skander. They married soon thereafter, and she was his beloved wife for 51 years. They had one child, their adoring daughter, Leslie. In 1965, Allen was honorably discharged from the Air Force and subsequently started the civilian job he desired at the National Security Agency in Fort Meade, MD where he had a distinguished career of 22 years and continued to serve his country until his retirement in 19

Allen Slack High was born in Philadelphia in 1932, the son of Kathrynn I. Benkmann and Milton R. High, a WWII Merchant Marine.

Like his father, Allen took great pride in serving his country. Upon graduating Glen-Nor High School, Norwood, PA in 1951, Allen joined the Air Force and trained as a linguist at Yale for his Far East assignment, of which there would be many in his 11-year military career. His first mainland assignment was in Wash, DC, where he met Charlene “Charlie” Skander. They married soon thereafter, and she was his beloved wife for 51 years. They had one child, their adoring daughter, Leslie. In 1965, Allen was honorably discharged from the Air Force and subsequently started the civilian job he desired at the National Security Agency in Fort Meade, MD where he had a distinguished career of 22 years and continued to serve his country until his retirement in 1987. He and Charlene relocated to Pinehurst, NC where they enjoyed leisurely days playing golf (Allen was especially proud of his Hole in One trophy), spending time with new and old friends, and enjoying visits from Leslie and her family. As often as possible, they also continued to travel to experience new places together.

Allen’s favorite pastimes were watching football, golf, and detective shows on TV, eating pizza (especially Ledo’s), and drinking beer and rum and Cokes. He often cooked the family meals; his signature dishes were spaghetti and meatballs, tacos, fried rice, and shrimp cocktail (champagne, shrimp, and shrimp cocktail was his go-to for any celebration). He also loved Chinese food and enjoyed going to Chinese restaurants and conversing with the staff in Chinese just to see the surprised look on their faces.

After Charlene passed away in 2008, Allen stayed in the house in Pinehurst and later met Irene “Sissy” Haskell. He eventually moved down to Hilton Head Island to share a new life with Sissy. He still enjoyed golf and traveling with Sissy when they were not hosting her numerous family members at the Hilton Head home.

Allen’s final words were, “I had a great life.” And he did. He passed away peacefully at 93 years old to join Charlene and continue their travels.

Allen was predeceased by his cherished wife Charlene and is survived by his devoted daughter, Leslie Leventer (Steve), two grandchildren, Alex (Claire), Zach (Miranda), and two great grandchildren, Otto and Gus. He is also survived by Irene Haskell, his dedicated partner of 16 years, and her 5 children, Helen (John), Joe (Heidi), Ward (Dawn), Gordon (Lisa), and Tony (Mary), and 14 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Private Celebrations of Life will be held respectively in Hilton Head Island, SC and Washington, DC.

Memorial contributions may be made to The American Legion by visiting www.mylegion.org and selecting Operation Comfort Warriors.