Nathan Jay Bayer

BAYER

NATHAN JAY BAYER

January 23, 1945 – March 19, 2023

Nathan Jay Bayer, of Washington, DC passed away peacefully, surrounded by family. Born in Greenburg, Pennsylvania, Nate was the only son of Harvey and Devine (Friedland). He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1966 where he edited the campus humor magazine "Punchbowl" and in 1969 earned a J.D. degree from Georgetown Law. In 1970 Nate joined the Federal Government in the Office of the White House Domestic Policy Council; next as General Counsel to the Assistant Secretary of Commerce and then, served as General Counsel of the Federal Maritime Commission. He enjoyed private practice with both Freehill, Hogan & Mahar in New York City and the Washington DC law firm, Sher & Blackwell from 1978 until 2001 when he joined the Overseas Private Investment Corporation in the General Counsel's office as Associate General Counsel for Special Assets, until his retirement in 2015. Widely known as a consummate professional, with a keen legal mind, good judgement tempered by experience, with patience and good humor, Nate's realistic business approach was highly effective, respected worldwide, ensuring that Nate was instrumental in protecting the value of OPIC's challenged investments globally. Nate also served diligently on the Board of the Colonnade Condominium and volunteered with Autism Speaks. Nate is survived by his devoted wife of 30 years, Leslie Maddin Bayer; his daughter Jennifer Desilets; son-in-law Rodney and grandson Sebastian; sisters Sambra Weissman and Felica "Jody" Bayer; his stepdaughter, Amanda Scott, her children, Samantha and Emmett, his stepson, David Siegfried and his sister and brother-in-law, Jill and Dan Eisenstein. An intelligent, good and kind man, Nate's quick smile, wit and graciousness will be missed by all those he touched. No services will be held.