"Help Family of W. Cesario Beloved Insurance Professional"

Honoring Wayne Cesario: A Call for Support from the Insurance Community

Wayne Cesario, former Associate Vice President of Nationwide Insurance Company and in-house counsel, passed away on October 22, 2024, after a courageous battle with a rare and devastating brain condition known as Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (“PSP”). Diagnosed in June 2023, Wayne faced immense challenges during his fight against this disease, and sadly, much of the essential rehabilitation and medical care he required was not covered by insurance.

After dedicating 21 years to Nationwide Insurance Company and its subsidiary, Western Heritage Insurance Company, Wayne left an indelible mark on the insurance community. His colleagues remember him as a dedicated mentor and an unwavering support system. One co-worker shared, “Wayne had our back. He educated us on how to properly handle claims, minimizing risks and protecting us. He taught us so much.” Another reflected, “Wayne gave us the tools to become the best claims professionals possible—checklists, practices, and procedures we still use to this day. He was always there to lend a helping hand. I miss him dearly.”

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Wayne was an avid golfer and a dedicated volunteer, contributing his time to the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce and the Phoenix Symphony, where he helped rewrite their by-laws.

PSP profoundly affected Wayne’s movement, balance, and vision, eventually robbing him of his ability to open his eyes without therapy—treatments that insurance did not cover. He also underwent brain surgery to address a pituitary tumor pressing on his optic nerve, but a portion of the tumor could not be removed due to its proximity to critical arteries. Despite these challenges, Wayne fought with remarkable bravery until his passing.

Wayne’s widow, Lori Cesario, now bears the burden of $48,000 in medical bills that were not covered by insurance. As members of the insurance and insurance defense communities, we have an opportunity to come together to support the family of one of our own.

We are asking for your generosity to help Lori cover these expenses. Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a difference in alleviating this financial strain.

Let us honor Wayne’s legacy by extending the same care and support he showed so many of us during his career. Thank you for your kindness and for helping us take care of one of our own.