Charles Brian Schmalz

He was born July 14, 1943 to parents Charles and Dorothy Schmalz in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., where he grew up. There were four children in the family –Brian, his sister Darrell, and brothers Stephen and Jeff. His mother, father, and brother, Stephen, precede him in death.

Brian attended and graduated from New Paltz State College in New York. It was here where he met his wife Sandra walking off the soccer field after a championship game. It was love at first sight.

When Brian graduated he joined the Marine Corps as an officer. Sandra and Brian married before he went to Vietnam for a thirteen-month tour of duty. Upon returning, they were stationed in Key West, Florida. He always considered this to be a lucky roll of the dice.

After getting out of the Marine Corps he attended a career event in Saddle Brook, N.J. for officers. At this event Seaboard Surety conducted a quiz asking what Surety meant. Brian had never heard of surety previously and had no idea he would spend his whole career in a business that he loved. He joined Seaboard and his employment with them took him to Chicago, Honolulu, and New York.

Brian spent time in the Seattle area with Reliance and, in Philadelphia; Brian was President and CEO of Reliance Surety, President of Kemper Surety, and Senior Vice President of Surety for Arch Insurance Group. Brian was active in promoting the Surety industry. He was a member of the Surety Association of America, Vice Chairman 1998-1999 and Chairman of the organization 1999-2000.

Brian and Sandra enjoyed retirement in Naples, Florida and Boulder, Colorado. Brian loved climbing 14ers in Colorado with his son, exploring the West, gardening, walking family dogs, and last but not least, eating ice cream. He was a very private person, but a generous and faithful friend.

From your family and friends, Brian, thank you for your love, hard work, generosity and determination. We hope you have found the peace you so greatly deserved. Love you always.

A memorial donation can be made to the Humane Society of the United States http://www.humanesociety.org/donate/?credit=web_id93480558

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