Walter "Pete" D. Hastings Jr.

Walter “Pete” Dinsmore Hastings Jr. was born on March 2, 1935, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, the son of Walter Dinsmore Hastings and Dorothy Marie (Maher) Hastings. Affectionately known as “Pete” from an early age, he grew up in Johnstown, attending Union Street Grade School, Joseph Johns Junior High, and graduating from Johnstown Senior High in 1953.

A dedicated and accomplished Boy Scout, Pete earned the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout and traveled to multiple jamborees across the U.S. and Canada. In 1952, he had the honor of representing the United States at the World Jamboree in Bad Ischl, Austria.

Following high school, Pete attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he was a proud member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. In 1955, with aspirations of attending West Point, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving with the 26th Infantry Regiment (the “Blue Spaders”), a unit he remained devoted to throughout his life. In 1956, he entered West Point as part of the class of 1960, where he earned the nickname “Hawk.” As one of the oldest Plebes, he took great pride in casting his vote in the 1956 presidential election, helping to re-elect General Eisenhower.

After graduating as a Second Lieutenant in 1960, Pete continued his military training at Signal School, Airborne School, and Ranger School before being assigned to the V Corps, 32nd Signal Battalion in Darmstadt, Germany. Rising quickly through the ranks, he became Company Commander of the Headquarters Company.

In 1963, he resigned his commission and remained overseas to continue his education in Darmstadt and Heidelberg.

In 1964, Pete married Joy Margaret Mackie in Basel, Switzerland, beginning a lifelong partnership filled with adventure and shared passions. Upon returning to the United States, he built a distinguished career in the reinsurance industry, holding leadership positions at General Reinsurance Corporation, ITT-Hartford, and R.K. Carvill in London, before founding and serving as Chairman of Hawk International. He was a respected member of the University Club and the Hartford Polytechnic Club.

In 1997, Pete and Joy retired to Cape Cod, where they embraced the tranquility of coastal life. His beloved wife, Joy, a Master Gardener, lovingly tended to her gardens and their seaside retreat. Pete filled his days with the hobbies he loved—he was an avid golfer, a skilled racquetball player, and an accomplished fly fisherman.

Walter “Pete” Hastings is survived by his devoted wife, Joy, and leaves behind a legacy of adventure, integrity, and an unwavering passion for life.