Peter J. Sellon, age 83, passed away peacefully April 2, 2018 at his home surrounded by family.
A lifelong resident of Rye, he was born on June 30, 1934 in New Rochelle, N.Y., the son of Emily and John Sellon. He graduated from Choate Rosemary Hall and received a BA from Princeton University in 1956. He served as a First Lieutenant in the Navy before embarking on a career in the insurance and reinsurance industries.
In 1970, he founded Sellon Associates, a reinsurance intermediary, and served as its CEO until the company was sold to Ryder System and subsequently to Marsh & McLennan. Throughout his career, he actively invested in real estate and financial service ventures. Among those, he was a founding member of Municipal Issuers Service Corporation that pioneered the offering of municipal bond insurance. As a longtime friend and colleague reflected, Peter was “a legendary broker well known for his integrity, professionalism and work ethic. He was a great character and an inspiring man!”
Mr. Sellon was a benefactor and adviser to many charitable organizations, in particular to the Theosophical Society of America and to its retreat, Pumpkin Hollow Farm, in the Berkshires. Together with his wife Carol,
he took special interest in the Rye Historical Society, the Knapp House, and Jay Heritage Center.
He was an avid gardener, loved to experience cultures around the world, and greatly enjoyed family gatherings in Telluride, Colo., and St. Thomas.
He treasured his friendships made on and off the golf course at Westchester Country Club and at Apawamis Club.
Peter Sellon cherished his wife and family and will be deeply missed by all.
He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Carol C. Sellon, and their three children, Karen Mulhern (Matt), Christopher Sellon (Lynn), and Mark Sellon (Allison). He was the beloved grandfather of eight grandchildren: Connor and Jack Mulhern; Daniel, Jonathan (Monica), and Lea Sellon; Anna, Isabelle, and Zoe Sellon; and one great-grandson, Avi Thanawala Sellon.
He also is survived by two siblings, Jeffrey and Michael Sellon, and many devoted nieces.
A memorial service will be held April 20 at 11:30 a.m. at American Yacht Club.
Donations in Mr. Sellon’s name may be made to Pumpkin Hollow Farm, 1184 County 11, Craryville NY 12521.
