Obituary – Death – Cause of death News : Chip Barnett, a beloved retired reporter known for his positive attitude and willingness to help others, passed away at the age of 67 due to pulmonary fibrosis related to the 9/11 attacks. He had a nearly half-century career in financial journalism, with two stints at The Bond Buyer. Colleagues remember him as a generous and respected journalist who will be deeply missed.
Barnett’s passion for writing began in grade school, leading him to study journalism and communications in college. He was a dedicated professional who attended various seminars to expand his knowledge in finance and journalism. Barnett’s diverse skills and genuine kindness made him a cherished member of The Bond Buyer team.
His sudden passing shocked many in the muni industry, with colleagues and industry professionals expressing their condolences and sharing memories of his impactful career. Barnett’s unique style of creating podcasts and multimedia productions for The Bond Buyer set him apart as a knowledgeable and hardworking journalist.
Despite his success, Barnett remained humble and kind-hearted, always willing to help others and establish lasting relationships with sources. His legacy lives on through the podcasts and multimedia projects he produced for The Bond Buyer, showcasing his expertise and professionalism in the industry.
In conclusion, Chip Barnett’s dedication to his craft and genuine personality left a lasting impact on his colleagues and the muni industry as a whole. He will be remembered for his kindness, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to journalism.
Retirement of Senior Reporter from The Bond Buyer
Have you heard the news about the retirement of a seasoned senior reporter who covered the northeast and southeast regions for The Bond Buyer? After an impressive career spanning almost five decades, this individual has left a lasting impact on the world of journalism.
Starting out at Gannett Newspapers in Westchester County, New York, this reporter worked diligently to climb the ranks from a back-shop compositor to a senior news editor. Eventually, in 1987, he made the move to The Bond Buyer, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the publication during his time there.
Throughout his career, he also made significant contributions to Thomson Reuters, covering state and local government finance as well as commercial real estate in South Florida and the Midwest. His expertise and dedication to the field were evident in his roles as a reporter, executive editor, and editor-in-charge for various publications.
In a heartfelt farewell email to his colleagues, this reporter reflected on his time in the industry and expressed gratitude for the opportunities he had been given. He also made a request for donations to be sent to his alma mater, Salesian High School, in New Rochelle, New York, or to the charity of one’s choice in lieu of flowers.
As we bid farewell to this esteemed journalist, we can’t help but admire the legacy he leaves behind. His passion for reporting and commitment to excellence have inspired many in the industry, and his presence will surely be missed. We wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.
Admired former Bond Buyer reporter Harold “Chip” Barnett dies at 67
Chip Barnett (left) and John Hallacy, a financial consultant and former Bond Buyer colleague, in the office. The black trench coats and fedoras had people calling them ‘The Blues Brothers,’ said Hallacy, referencing the 1980s movie.
The Bond Buyer
Remembered for his positive and cheerful attitude and willingness to pitch in wherever needed, retired Bond Buyer reporter and municipal market fixture Harold “Chip” Walter George Barnett, Jr. died on Monday.
He was 67.
Barnett suffered from pulmonary fibrosis, “a disease related to the World Trade Center terrorist attacks on 9/11, which took place close to where he was working at the time,” according to the obituary he penned prior to his passing, which was shared by his sister Maryalice.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Chip Barnett, a beloved colleague, and a cornerstone of The Bond Buyer newsroom over multiple decades,” said Mike Scarchilli, editor in chief of the Bond Buyer.
Barnett’s nearly half century career as a financial journalist included two stints at The Bond Buyer, first early in his career and then again from 2014 to 2024. He retired on April 30 and relocated to Florida.
“Chip was a generous colleague, and a friend, who was always willing to lend a hand,” Scarchilli said. “His dedication to his craft, wealth of knowledge, and genuine kindness made him a respected journalist and a cherished member of our team. He will be sorely missed.”
His interest in writing stretched back to grade school when he penned mystery novels with his sister.
He took college courses in business and law at Iona College in New Rochelle while he was a senior at Salesian High School, which likely sparked his long journalism career.
He studied film and communications at Fordham University, and then went on to the College of White Plains, now Pace University, where he studied journalism and was a deejay at Pleasantville radio station WRPW.
He later took business and securities law classes at the New York Institute of Finance, journalism classes at Columbia University and Russian language classes at the New School. He also attended numerous seminars given by the New York Stock Exchange, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the Real Estate Board of New York.
He was a long-time resident of Pelham Manor, lived in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan from 1987 to 1997, and then moved to Florida after retiring.
“Chip was a devoted friend and journalist who touched many lives,” said Gary Siegel, a Bond Buyer managing editor, who has known Barnett since they worked together at Munifacts more than 30 years ago.
“Talented, outgoing and kind, he was always giving of himself to help a colleague or mentor young reporters,” Siegel said.
“And as amazing as he was at the job he loved, his personality surpassed that,” Siegel said. “He cared about people and it showed. Everyone used a word synonymous with amazing to describe him and his impact on their lives.”
Siegel’s LinkedIn post Wednesday about Barnett’s death resulted in shock at his sudden passing, just months after he retired, and kind words from muni industry people who had known him.
“Chip has always been a consummate professional and a canny observer of our marketplace. He will be missed by many of us in the muni community,” Triet Nguyen, vice president/strategic data operations for DPC Data, said of Barnett in an emailed response.
Ben Watkins, Florida’s director of bond finance, wrote in his response to Siegel’s post that he was “sorry to learn of Chip’s untimely passing,” calling him a “true pro,” adding he enjoyed Barnett’s friendship and professionalism.”
He made “a tremendous contribution to the muni business,” Watkins wrote.
“I always valued talking with Chip when I was at the NYC Comptroller’s office,” Carol Kostik, a trustee at the Citizens Budget Commission and former deputy comptroller of New York City, wrote in response to the LinkedIn post. “He was fair, knowledgeable and [had] a sense of humor he had to keep out of his reporting.”
Barnett worked closely with former Bond Buyer colleagues Paul Burton and John Hallacy to create The Bond Buyer’s signature style of podcasts.
Hallacy, who had known Barnett since he worked for Merrill Lynch as a banker back in the 1990s, said, “the big thing about Chip is he was always inquisitive and knew the hot topics.
“He always had good questions,” Hallacy said. “He was pushy, but in gentle ways. He got what he needed for a story and moved on, he wasn’t out to score points, but to establish longtime relationships with sources.”
Hallacy and Barnett also shared a love of fine wines.
“We talked about doing a special report (on a podcast) about the wine regions in the U.S. and their bond ratings,” Hallacy said. “We never got to that one, but he always had a pretty refined wine palate.”
“He was a good guy and always fun to work with,” Hallacy said.
His podcast style evoked the smooth baritones redolent of a bygone era. He gave the podcasts a certain gravitas and professionalism.
“Chip was a knowledgeable and hardworking colleague and became a wonderful resource for me as our master of podcasts and whenever I needed advice about covering New York. It’s hard to think that he’s gone,” Bond Buyer Executive Editor Kyle Glazier said.
He also produced the Muni Minute and other multimedia productions for The Bond Buyer.
In an industry driven by deadlines, it’s easy to become impatient and sharp, but Barnett never was.
“Chip was a hard-working and talented journalist who left his mark on The Bond Buyer and this industry,” said Lynne Funk, Bond Buyer executive editor. “He was also a genuine, kind-hearted soul who I had the good fortune to call my colleague and friend. He most certainly is gone too soon.”
Though he covered commercial real estate for a few years before heading the markets team as a senior reporter after rejoining The Bond Buyer in 2014, the majority of his career was spent in the muni industry.
Who was Harold “Chip” Walter George Barnett, Jr.?
Remembered for his positive and cheerful attitude and willingness to pitch in wherever needed, retired Bond Buyer reporter and municipal market fixture Harold “Chip” Walter George Barnett, Jr. died on Monday. He was 67.
What was Barnett’s career background?
He retired as a senior reporter covering the northeast and southeast for The Bond Buyer. Barnett’s career, which stretched almost 50 years, began at Gannett Newspapers in Westchester County, New York, where he “worked his way up from back-shop compositor to senior news editor,” according to his Bond Buyer profile.
Where did Barnett work during his career?
Barnett worked for Thomson Reuters in Manhattan, covering state and local government finance as a reporter and as executive editor for TM3.com and as editor-in-charge of municipal finance for Reuters News. He also worked for Debtwire/Municipals and wrote about commercial real estate in South Florida and the Midwest for both The Real Deal and Globe Street.
How did Barnett leave his mark on the municipal bond industry?
Barnett asked in his final requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to his alma mater Salesian High School, 148 Main Street, New Rochelle, New York 10801. His sister also said that, if people prefer, donations could be made to the charities of one’s choice.
What impact did Barnett have on his colleagues and the industry?
“Talented, outgoing and kind, he was always giving of himself to help a colleague or mentor young reporters,” Siegel said. “And as amazing as he was at the job he loved, his personality surpassed that,” Siegel said. “He cared about people and it showed. Everyone used a word synonymous with amazing to describe him and his impact on their lives.”
Early Career and Friendship
Chip Barnett was not just a talented journalist, but also a man who valued relationships. He understood the importance of establishing trust with his sources, rather than just focusing on getting a story. This approach allowed him to build long-term connections and gather valuable insights for his reporting.
One of Barnett’s close friends and colleagues, John Hallacy, also shared his passion for fine wines. They often discussed the idea of creating a special report on wine regions in the U.S. and their bond ratings for a podcast. Hallacy fondly remembers Barnett’s refined wine palate, which reflected his attention to detail and sophistication.
Despite his professionalism and dedication to his work, Barnett was known for his friendly and approachable demeanor. He was always willing to collaborate and share his knowledge with colleagues, making him a valuable resource for many in the industry.
Podcast Production and Legacy
Barnett’s podcast style was characterized by his smooth baritone voice that harkened back to a different era. His unique delivery added a sense of gravitas and professionalism to the podcasts, making them both informative and engaging for listeners.
As the master of podcasts at The Bond Buyer, Barnett played a crucial role in producing multimedia content for the publication. His expertise and creativity enhanced the audience’s experience and contributed to the platform’s success in delivering valuable insights to its readers.
Career Highlights and Contributions
Throughout his nearly 50-year career, Barnett made significant contributions to financial journalism. He started at Gannett Newspapers in Westchester County, New York, where he honed his skills and eventually transitioned to covering state and local government finance in Manhattan.
His expertise in municipal finance led him to work for various organizations, including Thomson Reuters and Debtwire/Municipals. Barnett’s in-depth knowledge of the industry and his dedication to reporting on market trends earned him a reputation as a trusted and reliable source of information.
Despite his success in covering commercial real estate and municipal bonds, Barnett remained humble and approachable. He was known for his kindness and generosity, qualities that endeared him to his colleagues and peers in the industry.
Legacy and Final Requests
Chip Barnett’s passing left a void in the financial journalism community, with many mourning the loss of a talented and respected colleague. His legacy lives on through his work and the impact he made on the industry during his career.
In his final requests, Barnett asked for donations to be made to his alma mater, Salesian High School, in New Rochelle, New York. This gesture reflects his commitment to education and giving back to the community that shaped his early years.
As colleagues and friends remember Barnett for his professionalism, kindness, and dedication to his craft, his legacy continues to inspire future generations of journalists and storytellers in the financial industry.
Sources:
1. The Bond Buyer
2. Investopedia I just heard the news about Chip Barnett, a journalist who made a lasting impact on the muni industry. He attended seminars by the New York Stock Exchange, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and the Real Estate Board of New York. Chip lived in Pelham Manor for a long time before moving to Chelsea in Manhattan and eventually settling in Florida after retiring.
I’ve known Gary Siegel, a managing editor at the Bond Buyer, for more than 30 years, and he had nothing but kind words to say about Chip. According to Gary, Chip was a devoted friend and journalist who always went out of his way to help others. He had a way of making everyone feel valued and cared for, and his personality was truly one of a kind.
When news of Chip’s passing spread, it came as a shock to many in the muni community. Triet Nguyen, the vice president of strategic data operations at DPC Data, described Chip as a consummate professional and a keen observer of the marketplace. Ben Watkins, the director of bond finance in Florida, also expressed his sadness at Chip’s untimely death, calling him a true pro who made a significant contribution to the muni business.
Chip’s impact on the industry was undeniable. Carol Kostik, a trustee at the Citizens Budget Commission, praised Chip’s fairness, knowledge, and sense of humor. She noted that he was always a pleasure to talk to and had a knack for keeping things light even in the midst of serious reporting.
One of Chip’s signature achievements was his work on The Bond Buyer’s podcasts. Together with his colleagues Paul Burton and John Hallacy, Chip helped create a podcast style that was both informative and engaging. John Hallacy, who had known Chip for decades, recalled Chip’s insatiable curiosity and his knack for asking the right questions.
In addition to his work in journalism, Chip had a passion for fine wines. He and John Hallacy often joked about doing a podcast on the wine regions of the U.S. and their bond ratings, but unfortunately, they never got around to it. Despite his busy schedule, Chip always found time to enjoy the finer things in life.
Chip’s professionalism and dedication to his craft were evident in everything he did. Kyle Glazier, the executive editor of the Bond Buyer, praised Chip’s hard work and talent, noting that he had left an indelible mark on the industry. Lynne Funk, another executive editor at the Bond Buyer, remembered Chip as a kind-hearted soul who had a genuine impact on everyone he met.
Throughout his nearly 50-year career, Chip worked tirelessly to bring news and information to the muni industry. He started at Gannett Newspapers in Westchester County, New York, and eventually made his way to The Bond Buyer, where he spent the majority of his career. His dedication to his work was unwavering, and he always strove to deliver the best possible reporting to his readers.
Chip’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. His colleagues, friends, and family will always remember him as a talented journalist, a devoted friend, and a true professional. Though he may be gone, his impact on the muni industry will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Chip.
Sources:
– The Bond Buyer
– Investopedia
– TM3.com When we talk about expanding, we can refer to a variety of different things. It can mean physically growing in size or increasing in quantity, such as a business expanding its operations to new locations or a city expanding its infrastructure to accommodate a growing population. Expansion can also refer to broadening one’s knowledge or experiences, such as expanding one’s horizons by traveling to new places or trying new things. Additionally, expansion can refer to the act of making something more comprehensive or detailed, like expanding on a topic in a discussion or expanding a piece of writing to include more information. Ultimately, expansion can be seen as a positive and necessary process for growth and development in many aspects of life.
