Raymond L. Freudberg, 92, insurance entrepreneur

Raymond L. Freudberg, 92, formerly of Wyncote, a retired insurance company executive, died Wednesday, March 4, of heart failure at Beaumont at Bryn Mawr, where he had lived for 41/2 years.

Born in Philadelphia to Herman and Rose Kierson Freudberg, Mr. Freudberg graduated from Olney High School in 1939 and took night courses at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1942.

From 1942 to 1946 he served in Washington, in the finance division of the Air Transport Command, part of the Army Air Forces.

After his military service, he returned to school to complete a bachelor of science degree in insurance at Temple University.

Mr. Freudberg managed a school for veterans from 1948 to 1951 and then became a partner in Empire Mutual Insurance Co. in Philadelphia.

In 1960, he cofounded United National Insurance Group, a business entity of four insurance firms, which wrote hard-to-place coverage for homeowners, handicapped people, and other customers with special needs. "It was like the U.S.-based version of Lloyd's of London," said son Frank.

In 1972, Mr. Freudberg established American Insurance Service Inc. (AIS), which bought out United National. Seven years later, a group of private trusts controlled by Philadelphia's Ball family acquired AIS and formed AMC Corp.

Additional insurance companies joined United National in the 1980s.

Mr. Freudberg served as president and chief executive of United National from 1960 until 1986, when he became chairman. His son Seth D. succeeded him as president and CEO.

Late in his career, Mr. Freudberg went to work at AMC's King of Prussia headquarters as chairman of the firm's investment committee. In 2002, at age 80, he retired.

In addition to being an executive, Mr. Freudberg was a problem-solver; he served as arbitrator for disputes involving brokers, reinsurers, and policy interpretations. He also lectured at professional meetings in New York, Florida, and Arizona.

He was a past vice president of the B'nai B'rith Council of Greater Philadelphia, and a member of Congregation Shireinu, which meets in Bryn Mawr. He also was a member of Retired Executives and Professionals.

Mr. Freudberg enjoyed auditing courses at Pennsylvania State University's Abington campus and watching foreign films. In person, he loved to chat and, often, joke with everyone he met.

Three days before he died, as Mr. Freudberg was drifting in and out of consciousness, his family said, his doctor checked on him.

"Are you comfortable?" the doctor asked.

"I make a living," Mr. Freudberg replied.

In addition to his sons, he is survived by his wife, Myra Sork Freudberg; son David; three grandchildren; a sister; and nieces.

Services were Sunday, March 8.

Donations may be made to the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, 2100 Arch St., Suite 5A, Philadelphia 19103.