Bernard J. Daenzer

Bernard Daenzer Obituary

(Asbury Park Press)

BERNARD J. DAENZER
AGE: 94 KEY LARGO, FLA.
Bernard J. Daenzer, 94, of Key Largo, Fla., passed away Saturday, March 20, 2010.
He was the beloved husband of the late Valerie (nee: Lee); devoted father of Peter Daenzer of Los Angeles, Calif., Jean Aiken of Sunnyvale, Calif., and John Daenzer of Key Largo, Fla.; loving grandfather of nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by sons, Richard and George.
Born Jan. 15, 1916 in New York City, he attended St. Joseph's in Yorkville and was a triple Fordham man, attending the prep, college and law school. Bernard, or "Bernie" as he was known by many, was extremely generous in his support for Fordham, including serving on the Prep's Board of Trustees and last year was inducted into the school's "Hall of Honor." After completing a tour of duty in the Navy during World War II, Bernard had a long and distinguished career in the insurance industry. He received his Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation in 1947, became the president of the Connecticut Chapter, was a founder of CPCU Loman Foundation, and later became president of the National CPCU Society. Bernard was a founder, and CEO of the Security-Connecticut Life Insurance Company, which is now a subsidiary of ING, served on the boards of the College of Insurance, Wohlreich and Anderson Companies, later Howden-Swann Ltd., became the first non-British underwriting member of Lloyd's of London in 1969, and upon retirement, director emeritus of RLI Corporation. He is remembered by most in the industry as the "Father of the Surplus Lines Insurance Industry." Bernard lived his life as a dedicated husband and family man, devout Catholic, insurance innovator, as well as key executive, and in later years an author and philanthropist.
Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 25 at the Leonardis Memorial Home, 210 Ridgedale Ave., Florham Park. The funeral will be Friday, March 26, assembling at 10 a.m., followed by an 11 a.m. Mass at St. Rose of Lima Church, East Hanover. Interment is at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Justin Martyr Catholic Church, Key Largo, Fla.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Asbury Park Press on Mar. 24, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Bernard Daenzer

11 Entries

John T. Gilleland, Jr.

September 5, 2022

He was truly a happy warrior whose leadership is missed.

Steve and Mary Elayne Dunphy

April 3, 2010

Bernard was my godfather. He and my father, Harry Dunphy, went to Fordham Prep together and stayed in touch ever since. Occasionally in years past, Bernard and Valerie and my father and mother Angela would get together as time and distance permitted.

My father, now widowed, vacations in Florida every March to get away from the Midwest winter in Cincinnati. On one of those visits three years ago, I flew in from Seattle and had the opportunity to drive my father down to Key Largo for a great weekend with Bernard, listening to these two then 91-year-old gentlemen – the only word for them – exchanging stories and, I am sure, some tall tales.

I knew Bernard almost all my life, checking in with him once in a while. In 1975-76 when I had a fellowship at Columbia, Bernard graciously invited me and my wife Mary Elayne to lunch with his family at his Wall Street Club and we also were guests at the big house in New Jersey, as well as one time when he and Valerie visited Seattle. With Bernard and Valerie as hosts, of course every visit resulted in great conversation and recounting of fascinating stories.

In more recent years, Bernard shared his many books and written remembrances with us. Always much fun to read them and try to figure out how much was Bernard and how much was fiction.

Bernard was a very successful businessman, and knowing him just as my godfather, it is not surprising that he did so well. In addition to his intelligence, he was exceedingly kind and generous, the sort of person to put even a young person or a new acquaintance perfectly at ease. He was that kind of man.

Mary Elayne and I extend our deepest sympathies to John, whom I got to know on the Key Largo trip, and to all of the family. Bernard was a great man, but never let that greatness get in the way of his humanity. He will be missed.

James Zogby

March 30, 2010

Sincere condolences are extended to the Daenzer family. I had the privilege to work with Bernie at RLI in Peoria in the late seventies through 1995. Mr. Daenzer was a giant in the industry and will be missed by many. He and his wife Val will be remembered for the kindness and gracious hospitality extended to the Zogby family. I will miss him and the lessons he taught on the "simple yellow pad."

March 25, 2010

March 25, 2010

Dear John, Peter and Jean and the 9 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren of Bernie Daenzer

Please accept my sympathy and that of everyone associated with the Gregorian University Foundation on the occasion of Bernie's death. Everyone who knew him was aware of what a remarkable a human being he was. His superior intelligence and deep faith were matched by an equally generous and caring heart. May he rest in peace and may all of you who loved him be consoled and comforted.

I will celebrate three Masses for the repose of Bernie's souls; he may not now need the prayers, but you will miss him and need the Lord's support as you adapt to Bernie's temporary absence. If I know Bernie, he is probably busy asking the Lord for places for all of you, his loved ones.

Bernie is now with his beloved Valerie. May they and all the faithful departed rest in peace; may the Lord hold all of you gently in the palm of his hand as you move through the grieving process.

Sincerely yours, in Christ, with prayers and sympathy,
Robert F. O'Toole, S.J.
President
Gregorian University Foundation

Edwin Aiken

March 25, 2010

Bernard was an amazing person! His life is a wonderful inspiration to his entire family, especially to his grandchildren. What I am most impressed with is his generosity, not only to his family (for reunions in Hawai'i and on a Millennium cruise and frequent trips to Ocean Reef) but also his philanthropy and active support for worthy causes worldwide, especially for economically-deprived women who are unable to seek a better life for themselves and their families. What a wonderful way to achieve true immortality! I am sorry to miss saying goodbye to him, but I send my love to the entire Daenzer family.

Elise Farnham

March 25, 2010

Dear John and family: my sympathies on the loss of your father. I got to know Bernie late in his life and feel fortunate to have called him a friend. He had such a wonderful sense of humor, was always ready with good, sensible advice, and ready to help and support any way that he could. He will be missed.

March 25, 2010

William Aiken

March 25, 2010

Here's a recent photo of me, my son Chase and a proud Grandpa.

William Aiken

March 25, 2010

I will most remember my Grandfather for his incredible story telling sessions with all of us grand-kids. I rejoice in remembering our night time walks to the beach with Grandpa and the exciting and scary stories he told us about the strange happenings in the houses on White (aka. Black) Street.
I love you and I miss you Grandpa. Thank you for being so wonderful to all of us!

Love,
Will (Willy)

Ken Goldstein

March 25, 2010

My sincere condolences to the Daenzer family. I had the privilege to work for Mr. Daenzer in the mid 1970's at W&A and Howden Agencies. He was a giant in the insurance industry. We will miss him.

Evelyn Moss

March 24, 2010

Dear John and Family
Please accept my kindest condolences on the passing of Bernie. What a brilliant man he was. I remember attending a seminar in his home here at the Reef and all who attended had the greatest respect for him. He will be sorely missed by all

Evelyn Moss

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