Peter Rosario Golia

Peter R. Golia, former insurance company executive in New York City and past chairman of the Association of Average Adjusters in London, England, passed away Sunday, Oct. 14 in White Plains. He was 86.

Mr. Golia attended Manhattan College in the Riverdale section of the Bronx on the G.I. Bill of Rights, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in biology in 1949. He completed the marine insurance course of study at the College of Insurance, also in New York City, in 1952.

He began his insurance career as an ocean marine claims adjuster at W.J. Roberts & Co. in 1951 and went on to become an average adjuster and expert on marine insurance claims. He served as Assistant Vice President at Adams & Porter, Inc., and Vice President at Whitehall Brokerage, Inc. before returning to Adams & Porter as Senior Vice President, Average Adjuster & Manager of the Claims Department, marine and non-marine, where he retired from in 1991.

Mr. Golia was a life member of the Average Adjusters of the United States, as well as chairman of the Association of Average Adjusters from 1990-1991. In recognition of his expertise in the marine area, he was a made non-lawyer member of the Maritime Law Association of the United States in 1973.

Peter Rosario Golia was born on August 14, 1926, in New York City to Nicola and Josephine (DeTata). His father served in the U.S. Army in World War I. After graduating from high school, Peter joined the U.S. Army Air Force near the end of World War II and attained the rank of master sergeant, remaining in the United States.

A proud New Yorker, Mr. Golia was a life long fan of the Yankees and Giants; completed the NY Times crossword puzzle during his morning commute; and worked in the South Tower of the World Trade Center from the time it opened until his retirement.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Elizabeth; four children, Regina, Peter R. & wife Deborah, Annette & husband Martin, and Jean & husband Jeff.

Calling hours are Wednesday, Oct. 17 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Ballard-Durand Funeral Home in Elmsford, NY. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday, Oct. 18 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Elmsford, NY, where Mr. & Mrs. Golia have been parishioners for more than 50 years.