Former NAPSLO president and ‘visionary’ broker David Hartoch passes away

He ‘touched so many hearts, in so many ways,’ says family

Former NAPSLO president and ‘visionary’ broker David Hartoch passes away

Insurance News

By Bethan Moorcraft

Former NAPSLO president, David Hartoch, passed away on Monday, July 29, at the age of 80. He served as NAPSLO president from 1993 – 1994, heading up one of two legacy organizations that merged in 2017 to form the Wholesale and Specialty Insurance Association (WSIA).

Hartoch was born on February 24, 1939, in Wichita, Kansas, where he was raised his sister, Lynn. As a young man, he moved to LA to complete his schooling, after which he became interested in the wholesale insurance business.

His passion for surplus lines insurance enabled Hartoch to work his way up the corporate ladder to multiple senior positions, including president and CEO of Sherwood Insurance Services and later chairman and CEO of Swett & Crawford from 1997-2003, when he retired.

Current WSIA president, Joel Cavaness, and executive director, Brady Kelly, shared the following message about Hartoch: “Many of our industry colleagues remember Dave for his visionary approach to unifying the NAPSLO membership during a time of change for the industry and for the way he embraced new technologies as they were emerging for transactional brokers and MGAs.

“During his time as NAPSLO President, Dave's insights regarding the need for designated networking at the NAPSLO Convention led to the formation of the Brokers' Lounge, which continues to be a cornerstone of today's WSIA Annual Marketplace. We are all indebted to his efforts on behalf of our industry.”

Hartoch is survived by his wife of 43 years, Kathy, his daughters and spouses, Nicole & Ian, Ashley & Erick, and a granddaughter, Matilda. The family shared a touching tribute to Hartoch, stating: “David touched so many hearts, in so many ways, throughout his lifetime. All those who met him, loved him. He was a devoted husband and an amazing father.”

A memorial service honoring Hartoch’s life will be held on Monday, August 5 at 2:00 p.m. at Valley Oaks Mortuary, Westlake Village, CA. In lieu of flowers, his family suggests memorial contributions to the UCLA Department of Neurology.

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