Inducted in 2009
Insurance Industry Executive; Author
Member, Prep Board of Trustees (1977-1983)

Induction Video

The stereotype of the insurance executive's life is a notoriously monotonous existence of unforgiving actuarial tables and the eye-blearing fine print of policy sub-sections. But then again, Bernie Daenzer, Class of 1934, was never a stereotype.

In fact, when his biography was published in 2006, it was written up as a "love story, a war story, a tale of rags to riches, and an epic saga of monumental inventions in an industry on which every aspect of our economy depends." A reviewer of The Daenzer Story went on to add, "Some people just seem to be bigger than life, so unusual, so outstanding in one way or another, that they are clearly and obviously unique" — the perfect description of the Bernie Daenzer that Fordham Prep is proud to number among its alums and to have as a member of its Hall of Honor.

Born in 1916 to Bernard and Amelia Daenzer, Bernard J. Daenzer grew up in Manhattan with his sister Theodora. He entered Fordham Prep from St. Joseph’s in the Yorkville section, arriving to school each day after an hour-long ride on the Third Avenue El. From his very first day on the Rose Hill Campus, Bernie fell in love with the place. The wide green fields, the sprawling elms, the towering oaks: these were all new to a boy from East 87th Street. As a freshman in Homeroom 1B along with friend and fellow Hall of Honor inductee John "Jack" Corcoran, Bernie Daenzer began an association with Fordham that would last a lifetime.

During his time at the Prep, "The Most Brilliant," as he was dubbed by his classmates, was a member of the Dramatic Society, editor-in-chief of The Beacon, secretary of the Classical and Shakespeare Academies, and a devoted member of the Sodalities  In addition, Bernie worked every day after school all through his Prep years, contributing to his household and helping to pay his own tuition. Remarkably, "the eloquent, cultured and intellectual" Daenzer, as he is described in the yearbook, was able to accomplish all of this while still maintaining the highest of academic averages.

Bernard Daenzer graduated from Fordham Prep in 1934, going on to the College, from which he graduated in 1937, and then to Fordham Law School, completing his degree in 1942 — the quintessential three-time Fordham man. From 1944 to 1946, he served in the US Navy during World War II as an ensign and lieutenant junior grade.
 
After the war, Bernie embarked on what would prove a long and distinguished career in the insurance industry as an educator, lecturer, and key executive. When he received his CPCU designation in 1947 — Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter — he was only the 88th person to pass all the exams. He served on the board of directors for various insurance companies and became the first non-British underwriting member for Lloyd’s of London in 1969. He would go on to found and serve as CEO of the Security-Connecticut Life Insurance Company, which would become a subsidiary of ING, a global financial services company. Daenzer would also serve as president and chairman of the board of the Wohlreich and Anderson Companies, later Howden-Swan Ltd, a holding company for insurance companies, excess and surplus lines brokers with 21 branch offices nationwide. Rounding out his career, he acted as a consultant and legal advisor to insurance companies and large buyers of insurance for some 20 years from 1980 to 2000, receiving an honorary doctorate from the College of Insurance along the way.
 
His achievements in the field are legendary. In industry circles, Daenzer is remembered as the “Father of the Surplus Lines Insurance Industry" and "The Man of Many Firsts." He has often been credited with designing the structure that would become the homeowner's policy.

Bernie's career was characterized by his dedication and loyalty to the companies and educational institutions which helped to form his values, and Fordham Prep was no exception. Daenzer was always generous to his beloved alma mater with both his time and his support. He served on the Prep’s Board of Trustees while he was still a New Yorker, and then, after moving to Florida, graciously hosted Sunshine State reunions and academic events for the Prep and the University.

In addition, Daenzer was involved in several philanthropic projects, both in the US and abroad. He supported other Jesuit and Catholic institutions, was instrumental in creating school libraries in Tanzania, and was key in opening a series of vocational schools in some of the poorest sections of the Dominican Republic. He was a devout man of great talent, and lived out Jesus' words in the Parable of the Faithful Servant: "to whom much is given, much will be expected."
 
Along the way, Daenzer also found time to write several pieces of fiction, the best-known of which is A Trilogy of the Mystery Stories of Rita Teresa O’Shaughnessy. The boy from Manhattan's love of Fordham's green campus is evident in these stories, many of which have scenes that take place at Rose Hill, complete with illustrations, also by Bernie. Who wins that fight on the roof of Keating Hall? The answer to that question can be found in third story of the trilogy.

Bernard John Daenzer passed in March of 2010, shortly after his induction to the Hall of Honor, going on to reunite with Valerie, his wife of 63 years, who had passed away in 2004.  Bernard and Valerie Lee Daenzer, his partner in philanthropy and the great love of his life, were the parents of five: Peter, Jean, John, Richard and George; the grandparents of nine; and the great-grandparents of eight.