Walt was a leader in the insurance business for most of his career. Born in Westfield, N.J., the son of a Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. executive in New York, he prepped at Gilman Country Day School in Baltimore. At Princeton he roomed with Brooks Gardner, majored in economics, was active in cross country, and was a member of Whig-Clio, the Madison Debating Society, and Cannon Club.
He graduated in 1944, then served as an Army staff sergeant in North Africa, Italy, France, and Germany during World War II. He worked for Met Life and, for 12 years, with the Cotton States Insurance Co. He was a past chairman and considered “dean” of the Southeastern Training Directors Association (a life insurance group) and once supervised 380 employees.
Walt was predeceased by his wife, the former Cleo Kennedy, and a son, Walter. He is survived by two sons, David and Rick Saitta; two daughters, Susan Mussman and Molly Ibele; two brothers, Thomas and Charles Saitta; and six grandchildren. We extend our sincere sympathies to all.