Walter H. Vielbaum

Walter H. Vielbaum
June 14, 2023
Walter (Walt) Vielbaum passed away at home on June 14, 2023. He was 93.
Walt enjoyed people and had tremendous enthusiasm for his work as well as his love of photography and local history as it related to all things railroad and transit. He co-authored several books on subject which were passionate endeavors.
Born and raised in Burlingame, California, he attended Burlingame High School then the College of San Mateo. Walt entered military service (Army) in 1951 where he attained the rank of corporal and served in Korea during the war. Walter then worked alongside his father, Herbert C. Vielbaum, who founded Pacific Auto Repair in 1923 in Burlingame. A testament to Walter's work ethos, the business is in it's 100th year of operation - currently operated by Walt's son Gary.
Walt married Norma Freeman in November 1955 and they had three children. The family lived in Belmont, California for about 16 years then relocated to Burlingame in the early'70's.
His deep interest and passion for preserving the historical narrative, photography and artifacts around transit and light rail in San Francisco and the Peninsula also led to his participation in the Bay Area Electric Railroad Association founded in 1946 – first as an original board member then charter member until the mid-2000's. He served as the president of the Northern California Railroad Club. Walter also served as a member of the Market Street Railway Museum in San Francisco. Walt was also one of the original early key members of the Western Railway Museum, spending decades and countless hours of service in his many roles at the museum. He also was a member of the San Mateo Elks Club and the Burlingame Historical Society.
Walt is survived by his wife Norma of Burlingame, children Sharon V. Marks (Stephen Marks)-Seattle, Gary Vielbaum (Debbie Vielbaum) -San Mateo and Lori Lust (Paul Lust)- Yuba City. Grandchildren Christopher Marks, Kevin and Elaina Vielbaum and Christine and Michelle Lust. There are four great-grandchildren.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be sent in his name to: The Western Railway Museum, 5848 CA-12, Suisun City, CA 94585