Peter Bensinger, a native of Chicago and longtime resident of Lake Forest, passed away on Tuesday at his home in Palm Desert, California, at the age of 88, after a lengthy illness. In his youth, he demonstrated remarkable bravery and skill in bullfighting during a family trip to Seville, Spain. At 14, he faced a charging bull with grace and style, impressing both his family and a prominent Spanish bullfighter.
Despite his talent in the bullring, Mr. Bensinger chose a path of public service. He served as the director of the Illinois Department of Corrections, focusing on reducing recidivism. Later, he was appointed to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) under three U.S. presidents, where he played a pivotal role in reshaping the agency’s approach to combating illicit drug trade. After his tenure at the DEA, he became a pioneer in implementing workplace assistance programs to support employees dealing with drug-related issues.
His brother, Roger Bensinger, 91, recalled Peter’s courage during their bullfighting days, noting his natural grace and bravery. Lifelong friend Andy Block described him as someone who passionately pursued his interests, whether in the bullring or in his professional endeavors.
Mr. Bensinger’s legacy is marked by his dedication to public service and his innovative contributions to drug enforcement and employee assistance programs.
Peter B. Bensinger, born in Chicago in 1936 to Benjamin Edward Bensinger Jr. and Linda Galston Bensinger, was the youngest of three boys. Growing up on the Near North Side, he frequently attended Cubs and Blackhawks games, with Lincoln Park serving as his playground. His friend, Block, who lived in the same building, recalled, “We could play catch there and on occasion played touch football there.”
Bensinger’s education began at the Chicago Latin School, followed by Phillips Exeter Academy, where he excelled in track and field. At Yale University, he became the Ivy League Champion in the broad jump in 1956. After graduating, he joined the family business, Brunswick Corp., a significant Chicago-based company founded in 1845. His father, a former chairman, was the great-grandson of the company’s founder.
The Bensinger family has a long history of philanthropy in Chicago, supporting institutions like the Field Museum and Lurie Children’s Hospital. Reflecting on their upbringing, Roger Bensinger noted that their parents instilled in them the belief that giving back to the community was a family responsibility.
Peter B. Bensinger was deeply committed to using his talents to address societal issues, according to his brother, Roger Bensinger. This dedication led him to leave Brunswick Corp. in the late 1960s and become involved in Richard Ogilvie’s Illinois gubernatorial campaign. After Ogilvie’s election, Bensinger was appointed chairman of the juvenile detention division of the Illinois Department of Corrections in 1968, eventually rising to director of the department.
As director, Bensinger became known as a reformer, introducing innovative policies such as job training programs, work release initiatives, and increased visitation hours for inmates. His efforts contributed to a 40% reduction in prison recidivism. His leadership in corrections earned him national recognition, and he was elected president of the Association of Prison Administrators. It was during this time that he became increasingly focused on the impact of drug abuse on both juvenile and adult offenders.
In 1974, Bensinger ran for Cook County sheriff but lost despite endorsements from major newspapers. However, the race brought him to the attention of federal officials, and in January 1976, President Gerald Ford appointed him as administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). He was confirmed by the U.S. Senate and served under Presidents Ford, Jimmy Carter, and Ronald Reagan.
At the DEA, Bensinger shifted the agency’s strategy from prioritizing arrest numbers to a more investigative approach. He played a key role in expanding criminal forfeiture laws, allowing authorities to seize assets obtained through drug trafficking. This change enabled law enforcement to target high-level drug kingpins and their networks.
After leaving the DEA in 1981, Bensinger moved to Lake Forest and co-founded Bensinger, DuPont & Associates in 1982. His company pioneered workplace drug testing and employee counseling services, continuing his lifelong fight against substance abuse.
