Ernest J. Loebbecke; Ex-Ticor Chief, United Way Official

Ernest J. Loebbecke, business executive and founding chairman of the United Way’s Los Angeles branch, has died at age 87.

Loebbecke, who also served as president of the California Chamber of Commerce, died Monday at his home in Arcadia, his family said Wednesday.

He was the former chief executive officer of Title Insurance Co. (Ticor) and was a member of the boards of eight other major companies.

A business and community leader, Loebbecke served as president of the California Insurance Federation and of the California Land Title and American Land Title associations. He also chaired the Endowment Committee for Villa Esperanza, a Pasadena residence and school for the disabled, and was active in the Spring Street Foundation.

In addition to his work with the state Chamber of Commerce and United Way, Loebbecke was a regent of the University of San Francisco, from which he graduated; was an advisor to the USC Graduate School of Business; and was on the executive committee of the California Museum Foundation.

A native of Chico, Calif., Loebbecke completed his education at Southwestern University School of Law in Los Angeles.

He is survived by his wife, Elene; sons Robert Loebbecke and Wilber, Lyman and David Chaffee; daughters Mary Anne Boulle and Marta Stang; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

The funeral is 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Church of the Recessional, Forest Lawn Memorial-Park, Glendale.

The family has asked that any memorial donations be made to the Loebbecke Endowment for Villa Esperanza, 2116 E. Villa St., Pasadena, CA 91107.