Walter Lawrence Hahn, 80, of the Wildflower Community of Middletown, NY, passed peacefully on January 18th, 2024 after a valiant battle with Alzheimer's. He was born on March 7th, 1943 in Astoria, Queens, NY. Walter spent his childhood summers in Bellport, Long Island, where he created cherished memories with family and friends. He had a deep love for boating, fishing, and waterskiing, especially when he was accompanied by his good friend Dennis O. Walter's parents would host fun family gatherings in Bellport, Long Island, creating lasting memories for everyone.
After graduating from high school, Walter began working at Equitable Life in NYC, following in the footsteps of his father, Walter. It was during his time there that he formed a lifelong friendship with Joseph and Mary Olive. In 1968, at the age of 23, Walter was drafted into the Vietnam War and served in the Army's 101st Airborne Division. He was honorably discharged in 1970. Determined to further his education, Walter and his friend Joe attended college together. Walter earned his Bachelor's degree in Business Finance from Fordham University in NYC and went on to receive his MBA from NYU. He embarked on a successful career, starting at Singer Company and later becoming the Vice President of the Payroll Department at Bankers Trust NYC. Walter's expertise in implementing a new payroll system at the company was highly regarded. He continued his career in Compliance at Bankers Trust where he made many friends, including his fellow Vietnam buddy, Ed V. He then move to Barclays Bank in NYC where he retired. After retirement he worked at Home Depot Paint Department in Hempstead, Long Island where he considered his fun job.
During his time at Barclays, Walter experienced the tragedy of 9/11. In the aftermath, he selflessly volunteered his services at the Salvation Army site and Marsh McLennan Family Services site, where his wife Sheila worked. Shortly after 9/11, Walter was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and retired in 2004 at the age of 60. He and Sheila were married and lived in Wantagh, New York, before moving to Pine Bush in 2007 and eventually settling in the Wildflower Community in Middletown, NY in 2014. Walter was an active member of various organizations, including the Knights of Columbus in Mineola, NY, the Catholic War Vets in Pine Bush, NY, and the Pine Bush Lions Club until he was no longer able to participate.
In his adult life, Walter had a passion for music, running marathons, enjoyed playing his guitar, and loved spending time with friends and family especially his daughters Cynthia and Erica. Anyone who knew Walter knew he enjoyed a good party and dancing. His 70th birthday party was a memorable occasion where he danced the night away.
Walter is survived by his loving wife, Sheila McLoughlin (Hahn), his two daughters, Cynthia Hahn (husband Sean Roth) and Erica Hahn, and his brother-in-law Bill Gassman (sister predeceased Elizabeth Gassman) and his three sons, Bill, Ted, and Andrew. He also leaves behind several cousins, including Nancy Landsiedel, John (Jay) Landsiedel (wife Rita & daughter Elyse), Jodi, and Linda Stolarik. Walter had a special bond with his aunt Josephine's family, including Jim Daly, his cousin Karen, and her daughter Kristen (Walter's goddaughter), among many others. He also cherished the friendships over the years, including those with Halina and Howard Feldsott, Jean and Ken Dolan, Joe Dale & Jeff Immel, Mary and Joe Olive, Carmen and Ed Velez, and many others.
Walter's family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Orange & Sullivan Hospice and MJHS Hospice in NYC. They are also grateful to Walter's dedicated aids, Gloria, Maria, Isha, Juana, Deb, and Karen, for their unwavering support throughout the years.
A Mass will be held on Friday, January 26th, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Saint Joseph Roman Catholic Church located at 113 Cottage St, Middletown, NY 10940, followed by a burial service at the Orange County Veteran Cemetery located at 111 Craigville Rd, Goshen.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following charities: Alzheimer's Association of Orange County NY; The Guild of St. Margaret Soup Kitchen at 12 Depot Street, Middletown, New York 10940; St. Paul's United Methodist Church at 58 West Main St, Middletown NY (checks payable to: Greater Middletown Interfaith Council Warming Station; St. Jude Children's Research Hospital; Orange and Sullivan Hospice in Newburgh, New York, and MJHS Hospice in NYC.