William “Bill” Hanson Ellsworth November 9, 1933 ~ January 29, 2021
NASBP was saddened to learn of the passing on January 29, 2021, of NASBP activist William “Bill” Hanson Ellsworth, 87, of Insurance Underwriters of New Orleans, LA. Bill worked in the insurance industry as a bond producer for over 63 years.
Bill grew up in New Orleans, LA where he graduated from Holy Cross High School in 1952. He attended Duke University, Tulane University, and graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He served in the U.S. Army in Korea in 1955 to 1958. After returning home from serving in the Army, he and Rita Jo started their family of six children. They were married for 63 years.
Cathy Froeba, Bond Director at Insurance Underwriters, who first started working with Bill in 1973, said, “He cared for all his employees; he always had the pulse of what was going on in everyone’s life.” Froeba, who worked with Bill for about 40 years, said, “He was the best mentor a person could ask for because he was the best in the business.” Bill was often called to serve as an expert witness in construction litigation. He enjoyed keeping up with surety industry case laws and regulations, and his zest for learning and seeking answers continued throughout his life.
Laura Burns, Account Manager at Insurance Underwriters, described how he was dedicated to his customers and to the New Orleans surety industry. “His customers extended through generations, but he remained their constant guide through their bonding needs,” Burns said. “He was a walking surety dictionary/encyclopedia, a person with a wealth of knowledge who just wanted to share it for the love of surety.”
“Bill was a pioneer in the surety industry for decades, and his hard work and dedication to our industry speaks volumes to his character,” said Jacob Corbin, Surety Underwriter at CNA Insurance, on behalf of the Louisiana Surety Association. “He helped to grow the industry locally, to help pave the way for young underwriters like myself in this field.”
Froeba reflected how Bill was admired and respected by associates, competitors, and customers; some clients were with him over 40 years. “It was genuine and well-earned respect from a life lived with integrity, hard work, and treating people well,” she said. Froeba said a client said, “He always lifted me up and made me believe in myself; I will always remember him as a great man.” She said another client confided, “I respected how honest Bill was to me about my company; he was a wonderful friend.”
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Alexander J. and Ethlyn B. Ellsworth, and his siblings, John Charles Ellsworth and Mignon E. Steiner. He is survived by his wife, Rita Jo Neary Ellsworth. He is also survived by his six children, Mary Beth Rittiner (Greg), Kathy Shaw-Gallagher (Ken), Deborah Lonker (Elliot), Susan Carazo (Ron), Alex Ellsworrth (Michelle), and Michele Ellsworth. He was the grandfather of Katie, Caroline, Gregory, Mark, Jack, Emily, Jonathan, Charles, Christian, Caroline, Ashley, and Alexis and the great-grandfather of Annabella, Adeline, and Parker.
A visitation was held at Greenwood Funeral Home, New Orleans, in February 2021, followed by a Funeral Mass.
