Elmer J. Rhody, Md. Insurance Industry Leader, Dies

Dec. 28--Elmer J. Rhody, a leader in the Maryland insurance industry who worked on the University of Baltimore business school faculty, died of kidney failure in Randallstown earlier this month, his son said.

Mr. Rhody, whose death came just 13 days before Christmas, his 91st birthday, was born in Baltimore and began his six-decade career at Louis Gordon and Co. insurance agency with little training or experience in 1947.

He worked his way up, eventually becoming the firm's owner, and moved its offices to Timonium, where it became Elmer J. Rhody Insurance in 2001.

"One thing that rang true in his eulogy: He was the consummate professional," his son, Jeffrey Rhody of Laurel, said. "His clients always came first."

Mr. Rhody retired in 2013 at age 89, a fixture in the industry.

He served as president of the Independent Insurance Agents of Maryland in 1968, and was a member until his death. The association gave him its Lifetime Achievement Award twice, in 1995 and 2006, and he installed the new officers annually.

"He was the consummate insurance man, what every agent would like to be known for: a gentleman, completely ethical, and devoted to his craft and his clients," said Don Grauel, the group's chairman and president of Goldsborough Insurance Services in Towson. "He was around for so long. To have such a sterling reputation for so many years, it's tough to come by."

He was named chairman of the Insurance Roundtable of Baltimore, a trade group dedicated to raising agencies' professional and educational standards, in 1990. In 2012, the roundtable established the Elmer J. Rhody Educational Award "to recognize those instrumental in helping mentor and educate new people in the industry."

He was also a member of the Professional Insurance Agents of Maryland.

Mr. Rhody was born on Dec. 25, 1924, to Jack and Jennie Rhody of Baltimore. He went to City College High School and then the Johns Hopkins University, where he received a degree in business economics.

Mr. Rhody was a veteran of World War II; he served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946, during which he was deployed to the Pacific for the invasions of Leyte and Okinawa. As a technical sergeant in the 303rd Infantry Regiment, he earned two Bronze Stars, a Good Conduct Medal, the American Theater Ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with a Bronze Arrow, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon and a World War II Victory Ribbon.

After joining the insurance industry, Mr. Rhody enrolled in night classes at Johns Hopkins and helped launch a Chartered Property/Casualty Underwriter program in 1948, earning his underwriter's designation two years later. Later on, he also obtained his insurance counselor certification.

By 1953, he was president of the state chapter of the American Institute for Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriters. In 1956, he joined the University of Baltimore's business school faculty.

Ron Ehman, his accountant for 45 years, said Mr. Rhody was his first client at his current firm and one of only five clients Mr. Ehman invited to his wedding.

"He was someone that everybody would like to have for an insurance man, but they'd also like to have him for a friend, because what you saw was what you got for him," he said. "He was a solid guy. You could count on him if you needed him."

In his business dealings, Mr. Rhody was "a solid guy" -- straightforward and detail-oriented, he said.

"He was respected, and he was someone you could have a great deal of respect for," Mr. Ehman said. "It was easy to have respect for him because of the way he carried himself and conducted himself, not just in a business sense but in personal relationships as well."

Mr. Rhody was also active in the Beth Israel Congregation in Owings Mills. He was a vice president of the synagogue's board of trustees, and one colleague called him "a voice in shaping the future of our congregation."

"When he gave his opinion during our Executive Committee meetings, everyone listened attentively, because Elmer always commanded respect from all of the other congregation leaders," Alvin Bard wrote on an online memorial page.

Services were held Dec. 21 at Sol Levinson & Brothers in Pikesville.

In addition to his son, Mr. Rhody is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dolores R. Rhody; and two grandsons. He was preceded in death by his two siblings, Donald Rhody and Erma Bressler.

cmcampbell@baltsun.com

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