Harry R. Bleiwise

motorcycle insurance. In addition to his position at Rider, he also served on Florida’s Security First Insurance Company's Board of Directors from 2005 to 2026.

Born in Newark, New Jersey on July 29, 1932, Harry along with his sister, Arlyne, were raised by their parents, Jack and Myn. Jack served In World War One and Harry proudly followed in his father’s footsteps by serving in the Korean War from 1951 to 1953 as a Corporal in the United States Army. Upon returning from the war, Harry met his wife, June, and they were married in 1960. Harry and June settled in Union, New Jersey with their two children, Charles and Susan. At the age of 39, Harry purchased his first motorcycle when a 350 Yamaha was stopped next to him at a traffic light. Immediately enamored by the bike, Harry struck up a conversation with its owner. Within an hour, that Yamaha was his and Harry’s love of motorcycles began. However, when Harry went to insure his bike, he was disheartened by the way he was treated by the agent.

He decided to get his insurance license and started Rider Insurance Agency in 1971 as a side business. Harry's goal was to give an affordable option to motorcyclists, like himself, without the judgement that came from other insurance providers. He must have inherited his entrepreneurial spirit from his father, who founded Superior Bus Company in 1923 with just one jitney to compete against the huge network of public lines. Over the next six years, Harry and June worked tirelessly to help Rider continue to grow and

eventually were insuring thousands of New Jersey motorcyclists. On May 22, 1977, a large insurance company stopped writing new motorcycle policies and all current policyholders in New Jersey would need to find alternative coverage. Three days later, Harry invested everything he had, formed Rider Insurance Company, and prevented a major coverage crisis for thousands of policyholders. The 22,000 motorcyclists who were going to be without insurance in thirty days were saved by a fellow rider – a man who sold airfreight during the week and drove charter buses on the weekends to make ends meet for his family.

Having been very fortunate both personally and professionally, Harry always believed in giving back and helping those in need. A true philanthropist, Harry generously donated to countless charitable causes privately and through his foundations, the Bleiwise Family Foundation and the June Bleiwise Memorial Fund.

Over the last 47 years, Harry has owned over 30 different motorcycles and off-road vehicles. He traveled on his motorcycle to all 50 States and beyond - enjoying all the sights and wonderful people along the way. Harry’s kind heart and his dedication to the motorcycle community made a lasting impact not just on the motorcycle industry, but also on the countless lives he touched along the way.

Harry loved meeting and sharing experiences with everyone he met, and he had an exceptionally deep love and pride for his family and friends – he will be genuinely missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him. Harry is survived by his children Charles (with his partner, Karen Fernandez) and Susan (with her partner, Marlyn Layne Yassen); his five grandchildren Jennifer (with her husband, Brendan Breen), Jessica (with her husband, Landon Akiyama), Morganne, Stephanie, and Austin (with his fiancé, Rebecca Merrill); two great-granddaughters (Saoirse and Aoife) with another great-grandchild on the way; and many nieces and nephews who all loved Harry dearly.

The family will be receiving guests at the Bernheim-Apter-Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel, 68 Old Short Hills Road, Livingston, New Jersey 07039, on Friday, May 15, 2026, from 10:15 am to 10:45 am, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am. The burial will follow at Beth David Memorial Park, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033.