PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- It is with profound regret that Independence Blue Cross today announces that President and Chief Executive Officer, G. Fred DiBona, Jr., has died following a courageous fight with cancer. Mr. DiBona was 53.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050111/PHTU032 )
In a statement issued on behalf of himself and the Independence Blue Cross Board of Directors, Board Chairman, Robert H. Young, Esq. said:
“With the passing today of G. Fred DiBona, Jr., all of us at Independence Blue Cross have lost an inspirational leader, and Philadelphia has lost one of her very best and brightest sons. We extend our deepest sympathies to Sylvia and the entire DiBona family.
Fred DiBona was a man of remarkable business instincts and great personal honor. For the past fifteen years he led this company through an incredible period of success. More than that however, he was a man of great compassion and gave of himself over and over to support the most important causes in our community - the hometown he loved so much.
Imagining Independence Blue Cross and Philadelphia without Fred DiBona is like imagining City Hall’s tower without William Penn.
Ever since he was diagnosed with cancer more than a year ago, Fred gave us regular briefings on the status of his health. Amazingly, despite the rigors of his treatments, Fred was in the office nearly every day directing the company’s affairs with his typical passion and drive. His determination to live was, for all of us, an incredible source of inspiration.
Of the many important things Fred did for Independence Blue Cross, none was more enduring in its value than the excellent team of executives and associates he assembled. As the Board determines how to fill the void created by Fred’s passing, we are certain that his team will provide the company with sound leadership during this period of transition.
We take comfort in knowing that while his stay with us was far too brief, his impact on us and our community was immense. Fred DiBona kept his promise - to be there for us when we needed him. And for that we will be ever grateful.”
Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050111/PHTU032AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.comIndependence Blue Cross
CONTACT: Christopher Cashman of Independence Blue Cross,+1-215-241-3115