One of the giants in Pennsylvania land title insurance has passed away. Albert E. Pentecost died on May 2, 2010 at the age of 88 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania after battling Parkinson’s disease for many years.
After a successful career at Title Insurance Company of Pennsylvania (TICP) where he became its corporate counsel in 1955 and later its Executive Vice President and Secretary, Mr. Pentecost led the PLTA as its Executive Vice President from June 1984 to April 1990. Active in PLTA for many years, he served as its president in 1975-1976. After his retirement as PLTA’s EVP, the Executive Committee inaugurated the Albert E. Pentecost Service Award to be given for outstanding service to the association, and presented the first award to him in a surprise ceremony at the PLTA convention in 1990. This award continues to be given annually in his honor to a person who has dedicated themselves to the betterment of the association and the title industry.
Mr. Pentecost put an indelible stamp on the PLTA. His friend and colleague, William “Bill” Rice, credited Mr. Pentecost with being the first to encourage agent membership and participation in PLTA committees, directly leading to Bill’s own stint as the first agent president of PLTA in 1994 and to agents’ prominent presence in the current membership and leadership.
Another former PLTA president, Mark Korman, remembered Al Pentecost as an invaluable mentor to him. Mark said, “For some reason Al took a special interest in me and offered me lots of opportunity that led to my rise as president of the PLTA. In return he expected my dedication to whatever task I was assigned. He raised the standard of what I thought was a good job. He instilled in me a sense of pride in the ethics with which we as title professionals work. Not just honesty and integrity but a sense of commitment to getting the deal done… I will always be appreciative of having known Al Pentecost, for I am a better title professional because of his influence.”
Katherine McKay, former PLTA Executive Vice President, also remembered Mr. Pentecost with great respect. She said, “ He was truly a gentleman, quietly reserved, always gracious, so knowledgeable. He was a great help to me when I first took on the PLTA and truly thought I had bitten off more than I could chew. His advice was invaluable, and I will never forget his kindness and help to me in those first days and many times after. He gave me a great sense of the importance of serving the membership in as many ways as possible. “
Not many knew that out of the office, Mr. Pentecost was an avid photographer who had a home gallery of personally developed scenic photographs. He loved music and was an accomplished cello player. He was also a devoted husband for 54 years to his wife, Karla, who had serious health problems, and saw to her care for many years. Mrs. Pentecost passed away in 2001. The couple had no children but reveled in their 6 nephews, 4 nieces and 23 grand nephews and nieces.
At his retirement, Mr. Pentecost said, “It is with real regret that we have not accomplished more in the past years, but if I left any legacy at all, I trust that in some way the Association is stronger and the industry better for my having been involved.” The industry and the Association is indeed better for having had Mr. Pentecost as one of its most visionary leaders. As those who knew him recalled, he was a true titleman and a gracious and giving man who persevered through many adversities in his life to give his best to an industry and association he loved. He will be sorely missed.
