By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

UNION TWP. - Allan R. Heim, an original Cincinnati Bengals employee, died Wednesday at his home.

Cause of death was a heart attack. The Union Township, Clermont County resident was 73.

Bengals founder Paul Brown hired Mr. Heim Dec. 1, 1967.

The team started play as an AFL expansion team the following September.

Mr. Heim worked for more than 27 years as the Bengals public relations director. He retired Sept. 12, 1994, and was replaced by Jack Brennan.

"Al was one of the most genuinely good-hearted, good-natured people I ever knew," Mr. Brennan said. "He was very human. He was kind and respectful of everyone."

Mr. Heim joined the Bengals after working 12 years for The Cincinnati Enquirer, the last eight as executive sports editor.

"Al was an integral part of our front office from our very start," Bengals president Mike Brown said. "We were good friends as well as co-workers. His death was unexpected, and came as very much of a shock to us. We have lost a good friend and colleague."

Mr. Heim was a native of Springfield and a graduate of Ohio State University.

He is survived by his wife, Charlene, and their three children: Allan Jr., of Batavia Township; Julie Gajus of Westwood; and Steve of Withamsville; a brother, the Rev. John Heim; a sister, Connie Reed; 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Sunday at T.P. White & Sons Funeral home, 2050 Beechmont Ave. Mass of Christian burial will be 10 a.m. Monday at St. Veronica Catholic Church, 4473 Mount Carmel-Tobasco Road, Union Township.

Memorials can be sent to the Wellness Community, 4918 Cooper Road, Cincinnati, OH 45242.

E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com