Obituary: Stephen Fitzgerald, former DA Constable MD

He trained as an underwriter with the Eagle Star before moving to DA Constable Syndicate 386 where he specialised as a liability underwriter.

Stephen became the managing director of the Syndicate’s agency division and led the growth of this operation on a national basis before it was eventually purchased by QBE.

Under QBE’s stewardship, he became a regional director with a UK remit for the branch operations.

After originally retiring in 2008, Stephen was recruited by Whittington Capital Management syndicate 2525 to develop business in UK regions not currently accessed through the Lloyd’s broker channel.

He also joined loss adjuster Delta Claims in a non-executive role. 

Delta Claims managing director Owen Gorman this morning said: “Steve was involved in the business very shortly after it was established, when I was fortunate enough to convince him to assume the role of non-executive chairman.  He brought such a wealth of experience with him in underwriting & claims but also retained this unflappable ability to develop & support some of the innovative paths we have followed, to get to where the business is today. 

“Steve was inspirational in his leadership and warm and encouraging in his tutoring of me in my role as Principal owner and MD. Without his help & guidance we would not be where we are today and he will be sorely missed by us all and by me personally as the strong friend and confidant he represented.”

Gorman continued: “In my early years I had always admired Steve and his approach to business and was determined I would find a way to work with him. I feel lucky and enriched as a result of doing so and will always be indebted to him for the energy & passion he demonstrated even when his body was ravaged by such a horrible illness. 

“Our thoughts are with his lovely wife Sheila, daughter Anne-Marie and son Liam, as they mourn his passing. I hope they can find some comfort in the impact their husband & father has had on his chosen industry and the respect he had in all his dealings throughout a long and illustrious career. For if a man is judged on the footprints he leaves behind then Steve was by any measure a giant among men.”

“For me I am left with some warm memories of our exploits through this sometimes strange industry we call Insurance and an overriding feeling I have worked with the best this industry has to offer. Rest in peace my wonderful friend,” Gorman concluded