E. Elwell Averbeck; Founded Insurance Firm

E. Elwell Averbeck, 92, founder and chairman emeritus of Averbeck Co. Insurance Brokers. A native of Madison, Wis., Averbeck moved to Claremont as a toddler. A wine collector, gourmet and philanthropist, Averbeck attended UC Berkeley, began working as manager for Holt Investment Co. in 1933 and later founded his own company. He was a major benefactor of the University of La Verne, where he established the E. Elwell Averbeck Endowment to provide scholarships for insurance students. His philanthropy also benefited Cal Poly Pomona and provided parks and trees for the city of Pomona. A respected amateur chef and wine connoisseur, Averbeck frequently judged wine at the Los Angeles County Fair. Averbeck was a founding member of the Los Angeles Zoo Society, founded both the Town Club and the Individualist Club and held membership card No. 1 in Los Angeles’ Jonathan Club. On Monday in Claremont.