Longtime NYSAR CEO Charles ‘Chuck’ Staro Passes Away

ALBANY—The New York State Association of Realtors announced today (Jan. 9) that longtime NYSAR CEO Charles M. “Chuck” Staro passed away on Jan. 5 at the age of 82. At the time of his passing, Staro was a resident of Estero, FL.

Staro joined NYSAR in 1967 and served as NYSAR Chief Executive Officer for nearly 40 years. He was recognized by NAR with the coveted William R. Magel Award of Excellence in 2003 for his contributions at the state and national levels.

Nationally, Staro served on several NAR committees including the Legislative Policy Committee, Budget, and Finance Committee and the RPAC Trustees. “His impact on NYSAR is still recognizable today,” NYSAR stated in its announcement.

Jana Currier, Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors and the association’s Chief Operating Officer, said of Staro’s passing: “When I heard the news, I immediately thought about the friendship Chuck and my father, Gene, shared. They were buddies during my father’s tenure with the state association and after when they both spent time in Florida. I am choosing to believe they are going to meet up and play a round in heaven. May he rest in peace.”

Richard Haggerty, who on Jan. 1, 2023 became the Chief Executive Officer of OneKey MLS, said, “Chuck was the epitome of a gentleman and made me feel welcome at NYSAR events from my very first meeting.” Haggerty worked at HGAR and its predecessor organizations for 38 years and recently stepped down as HGAR CEO to take on the top role at OneKey MLS.

Former NYSAR and WCBR (Westchester County Board of Realtors) President Savo Fries said in thinking of Staro, she was reminded of a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt: “Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints on your heart.”