Walter Russell Hall

On Monday, October 2, 2023, Walter Hall, loving husband, father of two and grandfather of four, passed away peacefully at age 88 due to complications of advanced Alzheimer's.  Walt was born on May 17, 1935 to Walter and Helene (Merritt) Hall. A lifelong resident of Norwell, MA and member of the graduating class of 1953, Walt then graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 1957.  After serving in the U.S. Air Force he returned home to Norwell in 1960 and on February 24, 1962, he married Judy, the love of his life and the woman who would stand by his side through thick and thin. They raised their daughter, Angela and son, Jonathan in the house they built and lived in for the next 60 years.

Walt was a man of action, thrived on competition, never backed down from a challenge and never let anyone tell him he couldn't do something.  He was driven and resilient.  When he got knocked down he'd get right back up, dust himself off and keep moving.  It was these qualities that helped him to start Walter Hall Realtors in the early 60's. In the 70's he developed The Hall Institute of Real Estate, providing education and management training to the nation's largest real estate companies.  Never satisfied and always in search of a challenge, he founded Relocation Resources which became one of the largest international corporate relocation companies with offices around the U.S., one in London and representatives in 118 countries. True to his roots, Relocation Resources was headquartered in Norwell, the town he loved. Although “retiring” in 2003 Walt never slowed down. He remained active in real estate and also authored several books on the industry.

Although driven in business, he never let it interfere with the things that truly enriched his life and brought him joy.  His family, his friends, his dogs, traveling the world with Judy, music, competing in sports and any game were all dear to him and he pursued them with as much energy and spirit as he did in business. He was loving, kind, generous, nurturing, encouraging and loved providing advice and opportunity to not only his family but those around him. He took time to enjoy trips and adventures with family and grandchildren whom he always had time for and loved very much. Although he had a serious side, his sense of humor kept his family laughing all the time. He was a truly great man whose impact will be forever felt by those he touched.

Walt is survived by his wife of 62 years, Judy; daughter Angela Balmes and son in law Jim; son Jonathan and girlfriend, Sophia; four grandchildren Wyatt Balmes and wife Kristen, Merritt and Caroline Hall and Hadley Balmes; and his faithful dog, Charley. He was predeceased by his sister Judy.  He was dearly loved by all and will be deeply missed.

There will be a private burial service for family on Thursday October 12th  and a Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held on Saturday, October 14th at 11:00 a.m. at the First Parish Church in Norwell.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Norwell VNA and Hospice https://www.nvna.org/charitable-fund.

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