William S. Haraf

William S. Haraf obituary, Sarasota, FL

William S. Haraf

William Haraf Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 15, 2024.
Bill Haraf passed away peacefully at home in Sarasota, Florida, on November 12, 2024, with his wife and sons at his side. He died from complications of cancer.

Bill had an extensive career in banking and financial services, the executive branch of both federal and state government, academia, and the think tank world. He served as a managing director at Promontory Financial LLC, a consulting subsidiary of IBM, where he advised clients in the areas of corporate governance, risk management, compliance, and strategy. He was most recently a member of the board of directors of Charles Schwab Corporation and its three subsidiary banks from 2015 to 2023.

Bill was honored by his unique role as the first man invited to join the board of directors of the Financial Women of San Francisco, a sixty-year-old nonprofit organization promoting the support and development of women in finance and financial services.

He was appointed Commissioner of Financial Institutions by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2008, where he served for four years, leading the agency through a period of economic upheaval, both in the state and nationwide. He was selected by his fellow state bank supervisors to represent them on the national Financial Stability Oversight Council established by the Dodd-Frank Act to foster coordination among financial regulators.

Earlier in his career, he had stints with Bank of America and Citicorp. He served as senior staff economist and then chief of staff to the Council of Economic Advisors in the Reagan administration.

Bill earned a PhD in economics from the University of Washington and began his career teaching economics and finance at Brown University.

He is survived by his wife Jo (Murphy) Haraf; his two sons, Matthew (Laurie Cebuhar) and Christopher (Patricia Pattrone); two grandsons, Tyler and Alexander; and siblings: Gregory, Fred, Russell, Nancy, and Steve "Bo".

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January 31, 2025

Malana Moberg posted to the memorial.

December 3, 2024

John Adams posted to the memorial.

November 30, 2024

Joan Dea posted to the memorial.

Malana Moberg

January 31, 2025

Gosh, my first memory of Bill was when I reached out to him when I was a Co-Chair of the Industry Leadership and he had volunteered to join our committee at the Financial Women of San Francisco. I was surprised that a man wanted to join our committee but even more so such a busy and important man. Well, from the moment I met Bill -- I realized what a kind, generous and humble person he was -- not to mention a person who really enjoyed life. He was taken away from all of us too quickly. I will miss him and our occasional emails and phone calls. My best to Jo -- I know what a huge hole Bill's passing must be in your life. He will not be forgotten. Malana

John Adams

December 3, 2024

I met Bill when he and I joined the Charles Schwab Corporation board at the same time. He was a dedicated, hard working and insightful colleague and always a pleasure to be around. We particularly enjoyed swapping stories of our various trekking adventures. My condolences to his family.

Joan Dea

November 30, 2024

I had the pleasure of serving on the boards of Charles Schwab Corporation and its three banks with Bill. He was always insightful, hard working, kind and funny. He was a champion of women in financial services and many benefitted from his mentorship and support. We always enjoyed sharing interesting articles and books we were each reading. I send my deepest condolences to his loved ones. Know that he touched many deeply. Joan Dea

Charles Ruffel

November 26, 2024

I met Bill through our board at Charles Schwab. He was the essence of grace, kindness and empathy. It was a privilege to be his friend.

Walt Bettinger

November 25, 2024

All of us at Charles Schwab benefitted from Bill's wisdom and insights. He was a true professional ... smart, humble and caring. As a Director, we could always count on Bill's commitment to doing the right thing for all constituents. He was missed when he retired from the Board in 2023. You were truly one of the best, Bill. Warmly, Walt Bettinger, Co-Chairperson of the Board of Directors, The Charles Schwab Corporation

Kimberly Bobo

November 19, 2024

My condolences to Bill´s wife and family. He was such a positive and inspirational person who always looked for and saw the best in people.

I met Bill in 2017 and he immediately took interest in me and pulled me under his wings to mentor and coach me. I learned so much from him, including how to stay positive with the people I managed. He will be truly missed!!

Kimberly Bobo

Walter Brown, Jr.

November 19, 2024

I will miss Bill. We first met in 2008 collaborating on a statewide project.

I found him at that time to be insightful and kind. I work in the Real Estate Finance space and also volunteer in 501c organizations nationally. Bill was always interested in what I was doing and how he could collaborate with me- and we did collaborate. Bill was very helpful.

I have so many great stories- we pushed each other professionally, talked about family and so on.

When I had a health issue, he personally visited me, which I very much appreciated.

Bill was a person who had mastery of the "big picture" but he had the unique ability to pay attention to and take care of "people" as well.

He will be sorely missed.

We will pray for your family.

Walter Brown, Jr.

Melinda

November 19, 2024

Bill was a great mentor and manager. He challenged me to do more and taught me about listening to others, being respectful and kind. I feel honored to have worked with him. My sympathy to the family and friends this is a great loss.

Dolores Gavcus

November 19, 2024

My condolences to Jo and the family. I started with the DFI (now DFPI) when Bill was Commissioner. He certainly made a difference in the workplace.

D. Kirkpatrick

November 19, 2024

I was very sorry to hear about Bill's passing. I was an Assistant Deputy Commissioner at the DFI when Bill was appointed. I very much respected him for his leadership at the agency and as a person. He made the DFI a better place to work for which I was very grateful.

Bob Chow

November 19, 2024

Bill was an excellent commissioner during my two years at DFI. I appreciated his support of IT team, as well as his passionate leadership and professionalism during the lean years of State government.

We have lost a great servant leader in our society.

Praying for family´s peace and comfort during this difficult time.

Wm Kroener

November 18, 2024

Very sad news. We had many happy interactions with Bill over the last 30 years.
Bill and Evelyn Kroener

Todd Baker

November 18, 2024

Bill was one of my favorite people, a caring person of great personal integrity. I will miss him dearly.

denise blondo

November 18, 2024

I'm in utter shock. Oh my dear friend has ascended.
Bill and I lunched when he was in town in Sarasota. As I know Jo,Bill and Betty from Mill Valley, CA, I felt I had family in town. And Bill was one of Bisou's favorite humans!

I just spoke with him and grateful I got to say, I love you Bill. I never suspected this would be our last conversation. Jo, when Bill and met for lunch, he gushed about you! He was so grateful for your love and devotion. Jo, I'm so sorry for your loss.

Slange Var!
As soon as I find a decent single malt scotch, I'll raise a wee dram in your honor friend. Bill I will miss you sooo.
Jo, reach out and I'll be in touch.
Love Denise

Brenda

November 17, 2024

Sad news..my heartfelt condolences to the family

Brenda Watty

Jean Mansen

November 15, 2024

My most enduring memories of Bill are of his concern for Jo. Jo would be hiking with friends and me and we may have gone off course. Bill knew and called to check that she was okay. His concern for her wellbeing was paramount.

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Not sure what to say?

January 31, 2025

Malana Moberg posted to the memorial.

December 3, 2024

John Adams posted to the memorial.

November 30, 2024

Joan Dea posted to the memorial.