Insurance firms' owner was ex-Erie Co. deputy

6/16/2007

SANDUSKY - Ernest D. Dagg, 82, who owned insurance agencies here for 25 years and was a former Erie County sheriff's chief deputy, died Sunday in his Fremont home.

The cause of death was not known, but he had heart, kidney, and circulatory problems for several years, his wife, Pauline, said.

They lived in Fremont the last three years and in Green Springs, Ohio, before that. For many years, they lived in Sandusky.

Mr. Dagg retired in 1978 as owner of Dagg Insurance Underwriters, which handled commercial and residential policies, and was secretary-treasurer of Erie County Farmers Insurance Co., which handled farm policies.

"He was easy to meet and get to know," his wife said. "I think that's why he made it so good in the insurance business and all around: He was easy to talk to."

He was a former board member of Republic Franklin Insurance Co.

Mr. Dagg was appointed chief Erie County sheriff's deputy by Allan Angney, who was county sheriff for several months in 1972 after Sheriff Albert Hess resigned. Mr. Angney was defeated in his bid to keep the office by Harold Gladwell.

Mr. Dagg took flying lessons at Norwalk Airport and owned two planes, a Cessna and a Maul. His wife was a frequent passenger as they flew around northwest Ohio to enjoy the scenery and find a place for lunch.

He found peace in the air and joy in handling an airplane in flight, his wife said.

He was a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.

Mr. Dagg was born in Washington, Pa., but grew up in Green Springs. His father died when he was 2, and the family moved to Ohio to be close to his mother's relatives.

He was a graduate of Green Springs High School and was a sergeant major in the Army, serving with the 87th Infantry Division in Europe in World War II. He attended City College of New York.

He was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church, Green Springs. He also belonged to the Green Springs F&AM; the American Legion in Green Springs, and the VFW in Sandusky.

Surviving are his wife, Pauline, whom he married Jan. 22, 1944; daughter, Sharon Karlovetz, and son, Robert E. Dagg.

There will be no visitation.

At Mr. Dagg's request, his body was donated to the University of Toledo's medical school, which is the former Medical College of Ohio.

Memorial services will be scheduled later. Arrangements are by the Wonderly Horvath Hanes Funeral Home, Fremont.

The family suggests tributes to Hospice of Northwest Ohio.