SAMUEL DEUTSCHBERGER
1871-1929
Samuel Deutschberger, connected for more than twenty years with the New York State Insurance Department, died in New York City January 18, 1929. At the time of his death he was chief of the rating bureau of the department. In his passing the insurance fraternity lost a loyal friend---one in whom warm humanity blended with high technical ability.
His death came after only four days of illness from cerebral meningitis. The funeral service, held in Mecca Temple, was attended by a large number of insurance company executives, rating organization heads, the staff of the New York State In- surance Department and many others in the insurance business, as well as many personal friends. Rabbi Stephen S. Wise delivered a moving and impressive address, eulogizing the character and personality which had so endeared Mr. Deutschberger to all who knew him.
Mr. Deutschberger came from the Federal Customs Service to the New York State Insurance Department in 1908 as an assistant examiner. Three years later he was appointed examiner, and in 1913 was made chief examiner in charge of the Underwriters' Associations Bureau. He became a fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society May 19, 1915. In November, 1920, he was made chief examiner of fire insurance companies, and in August, 1925, he became chief of the rating bureau with supervision over rates in all lines of insurance subject to the provisions of the rating law. For many years Mr. Deutschberger conducted exhaustive researches into the field of rate making and rate administration, especially with regard to fire insurance. This work brought him into close contact with fire insurance company executives and rating organization managers, all of whom paid high tribute to his deep knowledge of the subject.
As his duties often brought him face to face with legal questions, Mr. Deutschberger early became interested in the law and in 1926 he decided to study for admission to the bar. Applying to this task the same energy and determination which he displayed in his insurance department duties, he passed the final bar ex- aminations only a short time before his death.
Mr. Deutschberger was universally honored for his integrity and skill in his profession, and was beloved for the spirit of sympathetic friendliness which he displayed in his work. Those who knew him intimately had frequent occasion to observe his unusual unselfish- ness, his ready sense of humor, and his self-sacrificing devotion to the cause of helping others.