Because surety is personal.
Because surety is personal.
It is with profound sadness and deep gratitude that we announce the passing of Harry C. Rosenberg, Chairman Emeritus of Rosenberg & Parker. Harry passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 27th surrounded by his family at the age of 86. He is remembered for the life and leadership that he wove into the fabric of R&P.
Harry joined R&P in 1963 and devoted his career to building upon the company founded by his father, Charlie. Originally established as a general insurance agency, Rosenberg & Parker transitioned to a dedicated surety-only brokerage under Harry’s leadership in the 1980s. Harry shaped R&P by instilling the values of integrity, expertise, innovation, and service that remain at the heart of the firm today.
Harry’s legacy centered on people. He believed that relationships were at the heart of our business, and Harry was at his best when building lifelong bonds. Even as R&P grew, he preserved the personal connection that made the company special. At every opportunity, Harry made a point of sitting down for lunch with R&P team members—sharing stories, asking about their lives, listening, laughing, and simply enjoying their company. That same warmth extended to his clients, many of whom became true friends over the course of long and meaningful relationships. Harry believed deeply in their abilities, their work ethic, and the companies they were building. Through surety, he took pride in supporting his clients’ efforts, helping them pursue opportunities, overcome challenges, and strengthen the businesses they had worked tirelessly to create. To Harry, colleagues and clients were part of a larger R&P family.
Harry brought that same spirit to relationships throughout the surety industry and the Philadelphia community. He served as Regional Vice President of NASBP, Vice President of The Union League of Philadelphia, and President of the Rotary Foundation of Philadelphia. He was also active on many committees of the General Building Contractors Association. At his 50th Anniversary Celebration, in 2013, Travelers presented Harry with its Friendship Bond, making him the first non-Travelers employee ever to receive the honor—a fitting recognition for a man whose career was defined by enduring friendships and mutual respect.
Just as Charlie had done for him, Harry welcomed the next generation into R&P, beginning with Chad and Matt over 30 years ago. Further strengthening the family legacy, Jack and Harry G. joined R&P in the last 10 years. As he transitioned into retirement in 2018, with immense confidence, Harry gracefully handed the reins of Rosenberg & Parker to his sons. In true Harry fashion, all four of his children embrace and embody his values and passion for surety and carry forth his legacy for caring for our employees, our surety partners, and our clients.
To those who knew him, Harry was far more than a Chairman. He served as a mentor, colleague, father, friend, and a familiar face at the lunch table. His presence will be deeply missed, but his values, warmth, humor, and genuine care for people will remain an integral part of R&P for generations to come. He passed these traits on to his four sons, who followed him into the Surety Bond business. He is an inspiration to them, and any future successes are a testament to the indelible mark that he has made on them and the company.
We remember Harry with gratitude, admiration, and affection—and Rosenberg & Parker proudly carries his legacy forward.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 11th at St. David’s Episcopal Church. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00AM, with memorial service immediately following at 12:00PM. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Harry’s memory to The Union League Founding Forward or The Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue.