Michael Allen

Michael Jay Allen

May 14, 1947 - June 2, 2025

Hampden, Maine - Michael "Mike" Allen, founder of Winterport Boot Shop and a beloved presence in the community for more than five decades, passed away on June 2. He was 78.

Mike was born in the Bronx, New York, the son of Robert and Gertrude (Mittleman) Allen. As a child, he discovered a typewriter shop owned by the Angiello family on the ground floor of his grandparents' building. It became a second home, and the owners an extended family for him.

After graduating from the Barnard School for Boys in 1965, he enrolled at a brand-new college in rural Maine. There he found lifelong friendships and plenty of adventures, graduating in Unity College's first class in 1970. While a student, he met Donna Greaves at a dance at the University of Maine. They married in 1969, beginning a life full of jokes, lively conversation, and travel, including a memorable road trip to Mexico in a Volkswagen bus. They eventually settled in Winterport, where they restored a historic farmhouse and raised their family.

Mike and Donna opened Winterport Boot Shop in 1974, and Mike remained its proud president until his passing. The store grew into a local institution, known for its top-quality boots, excellent customer service, and humorous advertisements, some of which featured Mike and others in tights and superhero capes. Behind the jokes was a business owner who worked tirelessly and cared deeply about doing right by his employees and customers.

Mike was a dedicated motorcyclist who traveled thousands of miles, making friends and collecting stories along the way. Later in life, he enjoyed hobbies like wine-making, fountain pen collecting, and playing bridge, and he returned to his roots by restoring vintage typewriters. Around the holidays, he was known for his love of the song "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas," which inspired a joyful collection of hippo-themed gifts from family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Donna Allen; daughter, Summer Allen (husband Jeff Cole); son, Gabe Allen; and bonus daughter Kierie Piccininni. He will be missed by extended family and friends, Boot Shop employees and customers, and many more whose lives he touched.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, June 24, from 4-7 PM at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center Street in Bangor. Informal remarks will begin at 5:30. Please dress comfortably and feel free to wear your favorite pair of boots.

Mike received what he often described as "superb" care at St. Joseph Hospital in Bangor, for which he and his family were grateful. Instead of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the St. Joseph Hospital Healthcare Foundation, P.O. Box 1638, Bangor, ME 04402.

Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.