Jay Fishman died Friday at the age of 63. The company placed a full page ad in Monday’s Hartford Courant saying, “With our deepest gratitude. We will miss your leadership, generosity and kindness.”
Fishman was the former CEO of Travelers Insurance, and still was the executive chairman of the board. However, he stepped down from his day-to-day duties last year after announcing in August 2015 he had been diagnosed with ALS.
ALS is a degenerative disorder that weakens the body’s muscles.
In mid-July, Fishman said he was in “the later innings” of his battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease, but wanted to make a difference for others suffering from the neurodegenerative disease by picking ALS charities as the beneficiary of this year’s Travelers Championship.
“Anyone can understand why I feel responsible to be involved to find ways to make ALS patients lives more productive and to advance research initiatives,” Fishman said at the Travelers Championship earlier this month. “But to have so many others who have quickly offered their help and been so generous is something my family and I will always be grateful for – it’s been truly remarkable.”
Fishman was a huge presence at Travelers this year, speaking on many occasions and hosting a fundraising dinner.
