John J Schiff Sr

John J. Schiff, chairman of the executive committee of Cincinnati Financial Corporation and The Cincinnati Insurance Companies, died on Wednesday, October 14 1998. He was 82. One of four company founders, a former chairman and chief executive officer, Schiff retired in 1991, continuing to serve on the Company's Board of Directors. Born in Cincinnati in 1916, Schiff graduated from Western Hills High School in 1934 and The Ohio State University in 1938. He then attended Harvard University's Navy Supply Corps School. During WWII, Schiff served as Assistant Logistics Officer, U.S. Naval Forces, Germany, and was discharged a Lieutenant Commander. He was married to Mary Reid Schiff for 50 years, until her death in 1995. He is survived by his sons John J., Schiff Jr. and Thomas R. Schiff, both of Cincinnati; and daughter Suzanne Reid of Barnstable, Mass. He entered the insurance business in 1938, first taking a position with Travelers Group Inc. and then opening his own independent agency later that same year. In 1950, he and three other insurance agents established The Cincinnati Insurance Company.