Steven David Hallert
August 25, 1941 - February 12, 2019
Steve Haller, of Walnut Creek, passed away after a brief illness on February 12, 2019, at the age of 77.
A native of Evansville, Indiana, he attended Bosse High School, Indiana University (graduated 1963), and the University of California, Berkeley's Boalt Hall (graduated 1966). He was the son of Jess and Helen Hallert (nee Oppenheim), and was raised with his brother, Marc, and sister, Barbara. He began his career in business at the ripe age of 9, beginning a newspaper (owner, editor, and writer) The Daily Bugle (that came out weekly...sometimes). He interviewed luminaries including the Evansville Chief of Police, The Evansville Mayor, Governor of the State of Indiana, Henry F. Schricker, and Vice President under Harry Truman, Alben W. Barkley. During high school, in addition to his journalistic and editorial endeavors on his high school paper, he was the President of the Ohio Valley Federation of Temple Youth, Treasurer of the National Federation of Temple Youth and one of the Founders of Goldman Union Camp Institute (formerly Zionsville/OVFTY Camp), which continues today as a vibrant camp serving thousands of Jewish youth every summer.
Steve had an illustrious legal career. Filled with a sense of independence and optimism, he started his own legal practice immediately after passing the bar exam. He practiced general law (including being a Judge Pro Tem) before he began specializing in family law. In 1974, his brother, Marc Hallert, joined him in practice, creating Hallert and Hallert Law Corporation. He has been a member of the Contra Costa County Bar Association for over 50 years, and its president in 1984. He was awarded an AV rating (highest) by Martindale Hubbell very early in his career. This was followed by being named as one of the Best Lawyers in the Bay Area (Super Lawyers) as well as in the nation (U.S. News and World Report, and Best Lawyers of America). Steve ended his 51-year legal career in March 2016. He was respected by all for his knowledge of the law, his consummate professionalism, hard work, and fair dealing.
Steve was also tremendously invested in his community. He was a founding member of the Contra Costa Jewish Community Center (and helped build the preschool playground that his children played on with his own hands), and later became its president. He was also active on the Board of Temple Isaiah, and other community fundraising.
He leaves behind a legacy of family - his wife, Phyllis, his son Gregory (Mark Goodman) and step-sons Charles Pebley (DeAnna) and Daren (Victoria) Henderson, as well as his daughter Lea Hallert (Jeremy Korito) and step-daughters Angela Holbrook (Matthew) and Amy Foley (Daniel Jr.), eight grandchildren, brother Marc Hallert (Cherie) and sister Barbara Morrison (Robert), and numerous nieces and nephews.
Steve liked to start his mornings following the financial news while riding his stationary bike. It kept him in shape for the bike trips he and Phyllis enjoyed for more than 18 years. In retirement, Steve became active as the Treasurer for Mutual 68 in Rossmoor.
Please call Sinai Memorial Chapel for service information. Following the funeral there will be a graveside service at Gan Shalom Cemetery, 1100 Bear Creek Road, Briones, CA, and then a shiva minyan in the Fireside Room at the Gateway Complex in Rossmoor, 1001 Golden Rain Road, Walnut Creek, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to be made in Steve's name to any of the following organizations: Doctors without Borders, The Food Bank of Contra Costa County, and Jewish Family and Community Services of the East Bay (JFCS East Bay).