View this article online: https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2009/09/29/104160.htm
The founder of the ISU Group of Companies, Thomas J. Ryan, has died at his home in Hillsborough, Calif.
Ryan was 85 years of age, and had melanoma.
In addition to founding and leading the ISU Group, Ryan was known for coming up with the insurance plan that allowed for the construction of the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) System.
The ISU Group of Companies is a unique concept in insurance that allows agents to remain independent but also to have benefits available only to national brokers, according to a statement noting Ryan’s passing that was released by the company, which is run by his son.
The ISU Group has over 100 offices located throughout the country.
Ryan was born in Philadelphia, Pa., to Dr. Thomas J. and Grace Ryan in 1924. He attended St. Joseph’s Prep School and Haverford College, which is located in a suburb of Philadelphia.
His first job in the insurance industry was with the Insurance Co. of North America, in Philadelphia. He then went to work with Fred S. James & Co. and that firm brought him to San Francisco in 1963, where he remained for the rest of his career.
Ryan is survived by his wife, Rita, his children, Lila Burgess, Barbara Ryan, Grace Ryan, Thomas Ryan, and Diane Adams, and six grandchildren.
“In lieu of flowers or donations, an act of kindness to someone in need would be what Tommy would have wanted,” the company statement said.
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