In Memoriam: Ron Walter
It is with a heavy heart that we share news of the unexpected death of a beloved member of the Museum family, Ron Walter, who passed on Saturday, March 28. Ron had been a board member of Norman Rockwell Museum since 2017 after serving on the National Council which he joined in 2012. He is predeceased by his wife Marilyn who passed away in 2018. He leaves two daughters, Alison and Amy, and a granddaughter, Maya.
Ron was a valued and cherished member of the Board of Trustees. All who worked with him were instantly drawn to his gentle humor and deep devotion to the Museum,” said Board Chairman Robert Horvath. “Ron shared his expertise and his passion for art selflessly. He will be sorely missed.
Ron began his career as an Assistant Professor at MIT and later served the City of New York in several capacities, including Assistant Budget Director, Assistant to the Mayor, and Deputy Chancellor of the NY City schools. In 1978 Ron went to work for Citigroup where he spent the remainder of his career until retiring as Managing Director in 2007. Ron was an active volunteer in the Berkshire community and served as Board Chair and Vice Chair at Hancock Shaker Village, and as Treasurer at The Abraham Funds Initiatives in addition to his work with Norman Rockwell Museum.
Ron was a gentleman in every sense of the word. His quiet caring, willingness to help, and fine mind were generously shared with many cultural organizations. An avid art and Shaker collector, Ron believed in the importance of art and culture in people’s lives and worked to assure that the work of cultural organizations could be shared with the public. Ron brought his business expertise, tempered always with his understanding of the importance of art and cultural organizations to his committee work and his interactions with fellow board members. It was such a joy to see his eyes light up during discussions about art, and I will always recall his ability to add to seemingly any discussion from the voluminous reading and study he had clearly done on so many subjects.
Ron will be remembered for his thoughtful and important contributions to the Museum and cultural community in the Berkshires. Norman Rockwell Museum will miss him dearly and sends condolences to his family.
Laurie Norton Moffatt
Director/CEO