Wayne W. Hasenbalg

Wayne W. Hasenbalg, age 70, sadly left our world on March 29, 2025, after a life richly lived in service and kindness. To those who were lucky enough to have known Wayne, we can find solace in his legacy and the love that he instilled in all of us. Here is his story….

Wayne was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, on June 30, 1954, to Carolyn and the late Donald Hasenbalg. He spent his childhood in Oakland, New Jersey, where he grew up with his sister Donna and brother Gary and graduated from Indian Hills High School in 1972. After graduation, he attended Gettysburg College where he graduated in 1976. He was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity and served as its House President in his junior year 1975. He was president of the College Intra-Fraternity Council during his senior year. As an esteemed alumnus of his fraternity, he continued throughout his life dedicating his time and service to the fraternity that he held so near and dear to his heart. He got his Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Pennsylvania State University in 1978 and graduated from Seton Hall Law School and was awarded his J.D. in 1984.

Prior to his retirement, Wayne served as President and CEO of the NJ Sports and Exposition Authority, from 2012 to 2018. During that time, he partnered with key Meadowlands stakeholders to attract the 2014 Super Bowl and WrestleMania 2013, among other events, to MetLife Stadium. 

He served in the Administrations of two Republican Governors, Governor Chris Christie and Governor Thomas H. Kean. Wayne served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Planning, in the Office of Governor Christie, from 2010 to 2012. He was appointed by Governor Christie as a member of the NJ State Ethics Commission from 2012 to 2018.

Wayne had served as Assistant to Governor Kean’s Chief Counsel W. Cary Edwards, in the Office of the Governor from 1982 to 1985. In Governor Kean’s second term, he appointed Edwards to the position of Attorney General where Wayne then served as Chief of Staff in the Attorney General’s Office from 1986 to 1989.

In between his positions in State Government in the 1980’s and during the Christie Administration, Wayne worked for various law firms as well as briefly in 1995-1996 as Treasurer in the County of Essex.

Wayne formed many friendships with the people he worked with and had a selfless connection to those he met throughout his career. He commanded an audience through his natural talent of storytelling and engaging with his listeners. Whether in a business suit and tie or a T-shirt and flip flops, Wayne was always just another guy known for his big warm smile and big personality and often referred to as the “CEO of Fun”.

Wayne met the love of his life, his wife Sue, of 41 years, early in his career. She has been the light of his life and by his side throughout his journey. An avid sports fan, Wayne’s love and loyalty to the Yankees was unsurpassed. He attended many home openers and games. He even met his idol Mickey Mantle many years ago. As Jets season ticketholders (also a big Giants fan), Wayne and Sue tailgated and cheered on the Jets for decades with friends and family through rain, snow, sleet and hail. Wayne and Sue enjoyed attending sporting events and concerts and he generously shared many opportunities for those good times with his family and friends. Wayne and Sue also enjoyed traveling with annual vacations to the Jersey Shore and to visit his family in Arizona. In his retirement, Wayne shared many memorable moments at lunches together with his closest friends.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Sue, his mother, Carolyn, his sister, Donna Hasenbalg, and his brother, Gary Hasenbalg and his wife Sandy, sisters-in-law, Nancy Sarnelli and husband Nick, and Cyndi and the late Craig Zeglen. In addition, he leaves behind 9 nieces and nephews and their spouses and 15 great nieces and nephews.

The family will be celebrating his life in a private observance. He will be truly missed. His life’s legacy will forever be remembered in the hearts of his family and friends.

Donations, in memory of Wayne, may be made to BreakthroughT1D.org (formerly Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation).