Jack Pincus, 87; was a retired insurance broker

Jack Pincus, 87, of Bryn Mawr, a retired insurance broker, died Monday, July 13, of Lewy body dementia at his home.

Mr. Pincus was born in Philadelphia and graduated from West Philadelphia High School, where he served as student government president.

He attended what is now Drexel University before graduating from the University of Miami. Because he was not drafted when he became eligible for military service, Mr. Pincus enlisted in the Army National Guard.

Following his service, Mr. Pincus joined the family business, Albert A. Pincus & Sons, which had been in the wholesale meat industry since 1947. The plant was at Sixth and Callowhill Streets.

Soon after the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority purchased the property for another use, Mr. Pincus switched careers.

He became an Equitable Life Insurance broker, selling life, health, and long-term care policies until ill health forced him to retire in 1995.

"He always cared a great deal for his clients personally," his family said in a remembrance. "He became friends with them."

Mr. Pincus was a Mason and a member of Rodeph Shalom Synagogue for many years.

In 1962, he married Gladys Goldner. The two had known one another because their families were acquainted. "It was a love affair from day one. We did everything together," his wife said. They raised three children in Wynnewood before moving to Bryn Mawr 11 years ago.

He enjoyed art, searching old barns and shops for antique tools, traveling to foreign countries, and touring the Southwest.

While in Arizona, he and his wife learned about the culture and history of American Indians. The two "adopted" a Navajo family living at Four Corners on the reservation. They mentored the teenage daughter, who had told them she wanted to go to college despite the fact that no one else from her family had ever aspired to advanced education.

As a result of the Pincuses' efforts, the teenager was granted full scholarships to the University of Arizona. She graduated and is now a massage therapist. Mr. Pincus was proud of her success, his wife said.

Besides his wife, Mr. Pincus is survived by daughter Lori Shassian Kelly; sons Andrew Pincus and Richard A. Shassian; six grandchildren; and two sisters.

Private funeral services were Thursday, July 16.

Contributions may be made to Navajo Nation Scholarship Office, Box 1870, Window Rock, Ariz. 86515.