Robert E. DeNike, a retired United States Fidelity and Guaranty Co. executive, died July 10 of pneumonia at Gilchrist Hospice Care in Towson. He was 83.
The son of a window washer and a homemaker, Mr. DeNike was born and raised in Detroit.
Mr. DeNike began his business career in 1954 when he joined USF&G as a special agent in the company's Detroit office, and the next year was promoted to superintendent of the agency department.
In 1958, he was appointed assistant manager of the Detroit branch and in 1962 was transferred to Syracuse, N.Y., as branch manager.
He relocated to Baltimore in 1974 when he was named vice president of field operations at the company's home office.
"He traveled for many years to the offices in the western division that included among other states California, Texas and Montana," said a daughter, Lisa DeNike Ercolano, a former Evening Sun reporter who lives in Gaywood.
The longtime Timonium resident was an accomplished stained-glass maker. While living in Syracuse, he was active in amateur theatrical productions written and directed by his wife to raise funds for boys' clubs.
He also was an avid computer enthusiast and liked keeping in touch with friends and family throughout the nation, family members said.
His wife of 55 years, the former Mary Lou McGrane, died in 2005.
Plans for a memorial service were incomplete.
Also surviving are two sons, Jeffrey R. DeNike of Richmond, Va., and Scott W. DeNike of Coral Gables, Fla.; another daughter, Amy P. DeNike of Rodgers Forge; and two grandchildren.