Industrialist Henry Haller made mark with compassion, generosity

Henry Haller's family, friends and the nonprofit and philanthropic organizations he supported regarded him as a "gentleman of the old school."

"Whether Henry was involved in business matters or philanthropic endeavors, he did it with a civility that was admired," said his wife, Linda Boyce Haller, whom he married in 2000.

Industrialist Henry E. Haller Jr. of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., formerly of Oakland and Point Breeze, died on Wednesday, March 14, 2012, in his home. He was the former owner of NAVCO, a manufacturer of piping for industry.

Mr. Haller's stepson, Kevin Boyce, an attorney in Cleveland, said Mr. Haller was a patient and understanding man who led by example. "He inspired those who knew him, both as a friend and a businessman, by the way he conducted himself."

Mr. Haller was recognized for his commitments to Children's Hospital, Goodwill, Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, Civic Light Opera and Animal Rescue League.

He was also recognized for the support he gave to colleges, including Thiel and Grove City colleges, both in Mercer County, said his wife, who helped him organize the Henry E. Haller Jr. Foundation.

"And as a member of the Duquesne Club, Henry offered scholarships to the children of the club's employees," Mrs. Haller said.

"What my husband meant to people from all walks of life in Pittsburgh, which was also my home, was best expressed by men and women who worked for Henry and his father in their industrial piping systems.

"They would tell me how my husband and his father saw them through the dark days of the Depression," she said.

"And I also credit Henry's parents, who were devoted to the tenets of their Christian faith and their involvement with the work of the Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Oakland, where they were members."

Mrs. Haller recalled her husband's commitments to the Masonic Orders, which included providing financial support for the Shriners hospitals.

Born and raised in the East End, Mr. Haller was an only child in the family of industrialist Henry E. Haller and his wife, Emma Burns Haller.

Mr. Haller graduated from Miami Military Academy in Ohio and earned his undergraduate degree in business from the University of Pittsburgh and his engineering degree from the Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie Mellon University). During World War II, he served as a Navy officer aboard an LST that carried men and materials to the battlefields of Europe.

In addition to his wife, Linda, and stepson Kevin, Mr. Haller is survived by his children, Hal Haller of Shadyside and Marjorie Haller of Oakland; stepdaughter, Kelly Shannon of Charlotte, N.C.; and seven grandchildren.

Mr. Haller was preceded in death by his first wife, Grace Mary Horton.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete.