Edward "Bill" L. DeYoung

DeYoung- Edward L., a prominent figure in the Florida insurance industry for more that three decades, died at home in St. Petersburg on January 12, 2006 under the care of his family and hospice. He was 81. As a senior director and vice president of Hull & Company, a Fort Lauderdale-based surplus lines insurance company, Mr. DeYoung established the firm's branch office in St. Petersburg in 1978. In 1987, he became national marketing director and served as managing director of Hull's London operations. A Lloyds of London broker, he traveled frequently between the U.S. and British offices until his retirement in 1995. Born and raised in Chicago, where he began his insurance career, Mr. DeYoung moved to St. Petersburg with his family in 1958. As a division manager and senior vice president of Charles A. Lenz & Associates, he was a founding member and director of the Florida Surplus Lines Association and served as association president from 1968 through 1971. Mr. DeYoung opened his own underwriting agency in 1962, working primarily with the Lloyds of London market. From 1965 until 1978, he was senior vice president for George F. Brown & Sons, Inc., a Chicago=based corporation with offices in Florida. In 1971 and 1972, he was elected "King Boss" by the Insurance Women of St. Petersburg. An avid gardner and cultivator of orchids and a student of British history and literature, Mr. DeYoung earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of South Florida in 1977. He was a former member of the Tides Bath Club in Redington Beach, the St. Petersburg Yacht Club and Seminole Country Club. A World War II Army Veteran, Mr. DeYoung served in the 242nd Infantry "Rainbow" Division in Europe. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jeanette; two sons, Edward of Steinhatchee and William of Port St. Lucie; two daughters Karen DeYoung of Washington DC and Patricia Ware of St. Petersburg; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. A memorial service will take place Saturday, January 21, 2006 at 2PM in the David C. Gross Funeral Home Chapel. The family suggests memorials, in lieu of flowers, to All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg or Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. Service Information