Salem - Salem - Benjamin Michael Gillen, born on September 6, 1989, succumbed to his last battle with Type 1 Diabetes on September 23, 2024, in Salem, MA. Benjamin was 35 years old.

Benjamin graduated from St. John's Prep in Danvers, MA. He went on to pursue his interest in history at St. Michaels College, VT and Salem State University.

Benjamin worked at Vinnin Liquors of Swampscott, MA where the owner and coworkers have been overwhelmingly supportive. Ben's roommates have also been extremely compassionate and generous.

Benjamin is survived by his parents Michael and Donna Gillen of Bartlett, NH (formerly of Magnolia, MA), his brother, David and wife Joanne of Beverly, MA, his sister Danielle and husband, Gabriel Pomar of Mercury, France and his cherished nieces and nephews: Elizabeth, Katherine (and husband, Jeff), Guillaume (and wife Marie), Jacob, Julien, Ryan and Claire, and by his grandnephews Liam and Lucas (Benjamin was overjoyed when asked to be Lucas's godfather.)

He also leaves behind his beloved cousins: Douglas, Jennifer, Sarah, Jessica, Amy, Kelly and Kim, Mary Anne, Beth, Franz, his favorite au pair, Sarah, James, George, Meg, Eli, Eamon, Jeff, Mark, Toby, Ed and Maria Jones and family, Heather and family, Michael and Maggie Coleman and their brothers and sisters, Laura and Josef and many others, his aunts and uncles: Eunice and John Young, Barbara Graham, Karen Colemen, Herb and Darlene Jones, Jeff Gardner, Lee Gillen, Liz Gawenus, Meryl Murray, Ed and Michele Gillen, Walter and Edna Gillen.

Benjamin was predeceased by his beloved aunt and godmother, Patty Gardner.

"Death leaves a heart ache no one can heal, Love leaves a memory no one can steal."

(old Irish saying)

Benjamin Gillen's life and legacy will be honored and remembered in a Celebration of Life on August 17 at the Plat Du Jour Bistro in Wenham, MA from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. Bring your smiles and memories of Ben to share. For all the condolences passed along to Benjamin's family by card, phone or word of mouth we are extremely grateful and we thank you for your thoughtfulness.