Walter Bernhard Kissinger ’51

Walter died May 3, 2020, in San Rafael, Calif., after a long career as a successful businessman, an enlightened and generous philanthropist, and an outspoken advocate of corporate responsibility. 

Emigrating with his family from Germany in 1938, Walter graduated from New York’s George Washington High School and served in the Army for four years before joining the Class of 1951. He was active in Whig-Clio and a member of Terrace Club, and majored in the SPIA. He earned an MBA at Harvard Business School before embarking on a business career that took him to the Allen Group, a Long Island-based conglomerate, which he served as CEO for 18 years. A longtime director of the Long Island United Way, upon retirement as CEO he devoted himself to regional economic development, promoting ethical business practices, and supporting a number of pro bono organizations and good causes.

He enjoyed adventurous recreations such as scuba diving, riding motorcycles, piloting gliders, and breeding and riding Arabian horses. 

Predeceased by his wife, Genie, in 2014, Walter is survived by three sons, William Kissinger ’82, Thomas Kissinger ’84, and John Kissingford ’89, daughter Dana Kissinger-Matray; and his brother, former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.