Dr. Walter Hartley Ettinger Jr.

Birth date: Oct 18, 1951 Death date: Oct 17, 2022

Walter Hartley Ettinger, M.D. Dr. Walter Hartley Ettinger, Jr. died peacefully with his wife and children by his side. Walt, as he was known to most, was 70 years old. “To live in the hearts of those we left behind is not to die Read Obituary

Wall Obituary Events Media

Alex Ettinger

58w ago

IV been missing my dad as it approaches 2 years with out him we all have so many wonderful memories. Though I wanted to share one that just popped in my head.This one is from when I was at a wilderness program in Montana, Dad flew from Italy to Montana , he Then got picked up and driven out to where our base camp was, near glacier national park. Dad could get along with anyone, and truly appreciated his driver and spoke of his conversations with him. "A true Montanan" Dad said, speaking of his free spirit and free will, a real live and let live approach to life. Though Dad lived a completely different life as the top Doctor and CEO of Virtua health at the time, always busy, running around like crazy, not much Time to stop and appreciate the true essence of life He deeply appreciated this approach to life, and I feel he some what romanticized about it at times. Well luckily he was in the right place to experience that lifestyle. Over the next 7 days we would float as father and son, along with the other young men in the program and their fathers. We floated the Clark fork river. I truly had never experienced such joy and connection with my dad in my life until this time. There were no cares in the world, just presence. I remember him being fascinated with the golden eagles that would soar over our heads and land on the cotton would branches along the river. I could see the love and respect for these majestic creatures in his eyes. Dad had done some rafting back in his day, so it brought him joyful memories as well. What I remember the most is his light and spirit shining through, his true essence. I have many memories from this trip but one that sums it up greatly is the picture I will forever have in my mind, along with the picture I took of dad curled up in his sleeping bag under our tarp and the Montana big sky with one big genuine smile. This trip would forever be a part of us, we talked about it up until our last moments together. And though after this we went on to struggle for some time after the program, we eventually became spiritual partners and best friends. As I look back now this is when it began. Shine on Dad, Love and Light.

Please enjoy the photo attached.

Joan Yearly

95w ago

I just learned of Walt’s passing and offer my sympathy to his family. I worked with Walt at Virtua Health and learned so much from him. He was an extraordinary physician and Chief Medical Officer.

Roger Anderson

103w ago

I am saddened to learn of Dr. Ettinger's passing. He was a bright star in research and a visionary in gerontology. I worked with him at Wake Forest University and was always impressed with his intellect and dedication to health. A sad loss to us all and forever remembered.

Mary Maloy

153w ago

A very special friend from a long, long time ago

Mary Maloy, New Haven CT

Mike Laposata

157w ago

Walt was a good friend from Med School at Hopkins! Painful to hear this.
Mike Laposata

Randy Davis

157w ago

Susan and Family:

I am shocked and saddened to hear of Walt's passing. I just saw the notice today. We had a number of wonderful dinners and evenings. We were due for another the last time I spoke to you all. Walt was always my favorite classmate with his dry sardonic humor. He did not suffer fools well. He was a talented physician and executive physician. I always liked to call him Chief when he was CMO at UMMS. He will be missed. Please give me a call sometime as I do not have your number. Randy Davis 443 956-5087

Sue Mcaleer

157w ago

Dear Susan and family, Jim and I were so sorry to hear of Walt's passing. We have such fond memories of our times together. We send our deepest condolences to you and your family. Love, Sue & Jim McAleer

Jacqueline Dittrich

158w ago

in honor of Walter.

Jacqueline Dittrich lit a candle in memory of Walter Ettinger

A large, lit white candle with a subtle wax drip on a beige background, accompanied by a white and pink paper flower on the right side.

Lisa Allen

158w ago

I first met Walt when I went in for an interview at UMass. I’ll never forget him asking me to name the 3 things I was most proud of and the 5 things I would do if I got the job. I did get the job and enjoyed working with Walt. Years later, I am in Baltimore getting my car inspected and run into Walt at a coffee shop. We both ended up in Baltimore and we became neighbors. I got to know Walt as a neighbor, walking dogs, community events. When he and Susan moved 2 doors away from my husband and I, that’s when I got to really see Walt as the warm and caring human being he has always been. I am sorry we never got to have that promised lunch. He will be missed and remembered for all the good he has done. Lisa and Paul Allen

Rob Phillips

158w ago

Julia and I are very fortunate that we had the opportunity to experience Walt from many different perspectives. We first worked with him as a colleague in New York, and were exposed to a level of data-driven organizational thinking and management that was a breath of fresh air to healthcare delivery. We followed him to UMass when he became President of the Medical Center, and saw a new facet of our now boss, who was always visionary, thoughtful, fair, humble, and motivating -- and always with a sense of humor. He always had the right words to say in a situation, and to this day we pass on to others the management wisdom that he imparted to us. We wanted to work hard for Walt and his vision. At the same time, we were lucky that although he was our boss, we could develop a warm friendship with Walt and Sue. We had many, many good times together in our book club, enjoying food, drink and a lively literary discussion. We are grateful that in the past decade we were able to keep up with Walt. We will miss him very much.

Rob Phillips and Julia Andrieni

Alex Ettinger

58w ago

Please enjoy the photo attached.

Tribute Wall

Tribute Wall