Walter John Haas
Walter J. Haas, 86, of Charlottesville, VA, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2023. He was preceded in death by his wife of 35 years, Barbara Chesnavich Haas and son-in-law Steve Bargamin. He is survived by his wife Barbara Baltar Haas and his children: Debbie (Brian) Murphy, John, Michael, Karen, Robert (Lisa), Jeff (Sara), and Kristen Bargamin. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, and his beloved dogs Mitt and Wilson. Since 1993, Barbara Baltar has lovingly been by his side.
Walter was born in Brooklyn, NY, in 1937, attended high school in Naugatuck, CT and served in the U.S. Air Force after high school. In September 1956, he married his high school sweetheart in Beacon Falls, CT, where together, they raised their seven children until 1973 when the family moved to Charlottesville, VA. After living in Memphis, where Walter was active in the United Way mentoring at-risk youth, and Phoenix, Walter relocated to Miami, FL where he met and later married Barbara Baltar.
In his early years, he was actively involved in the Republican Party in Connecticut and Virginia and continued his involvement in politics throughout his life. He was a founding member of the Beacon Falls Little League. While in Miami Springs, he was an active parishioner and usher at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church.
Walter began his career at Burroughs Corporation and moved into financial services as a stockbroker with Shearson, Hammill & Co. He received a degree in Finance from the University of Virginia (UVA) McIntire School of Commerce and earned an MBA from Southern Methodist University. Further doctoral studies at Virginia Tech and professional duties at UVA, Randolph Macon and St. Louis University complete his wide array of educational experience. Walter had a long and illustrious career in finance and investment banking, including working for Thompson McKennan, The National Bank of Washington, First National Bank in Roanoke, as President & Chief Investment Officer at Front Street Capital Management in Memphis and Investment Management Chief for Citibank in Phoenix and Miami. He topped off his career as Founder, Chairman & Chief Investment Officer of Alhambra Capital Management.
Walter happily returned to Charlottesville upon retirement. As a renaissance man with varied interests he then continued his devotion to his love for scripophily, numismatics, cabinetry, fine woodworking, watch repair and collecting clocks and oriental rugs. He enjoyed entertaining his grandchildren with stories from his days in the Air Force as an air traffic controller, pilot and all that he learned about money, banking, and investments throughout his career.
Walter will always be remembered for his many stories of his adventurous life and gift of conversation and storytelling. We will miss Walter every day. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.
A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. ET on Monday, December 4, 2023, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 401 Alderman Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Fluvanna SPCA in Troy, VA https://www.fspca.org.
Condolences may be sent to the family on the Tribute Wall.
