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William J. Wagner, the long-time CEO at Chicopee Savings Bank, died on Christmas Day at age 76. Wagner had retired from Chicopee Savings’ successor, Westfield Bank, about six weeks before his death.
An online obituary did not list the cause of death, noting that Wagner died “unexpectedly and peacefully” surrounded by his wife and family. He lived in Longmeadow.
Wagner spent 58 years working in the banking industry, including 32 years as president and CEO at Chicopee Savings Bank, the obituary said. After Chicopee Savings was acquired by Westfield Bank in 2016, Wagner continued to work in advisory and business development roles at Westfield until his retirement on Nov. 12. Wagner was also board vice-chair for Westfield Bank and its parent company, Western New England Bancorp Inc., from 2016 to 2018.
Wagner told Banker & Tradesman in 2013 that he began his banking career operating a sophisticated coin rolling machine during his senior year in high school. He became a bank teller after completing high school.
Two of Wagner’s fondest memories in banking were taking Chicopee Savings public in 2006 and making loans to startup businesses.
“I’ve been particularly proud of all the startups I’ve done,” he told Banker & Tradesman in 2013. “It’s an exciting part of the business to have a little bit of venture capital tone to a loan. And to have it be successful and have it become a big company that’s doing business with you 40 years later, that makes you feel good inside.”
Wagner was also known for his contributions in the community.
“Most noteworthy is what Bill accomplished beyond his career,” Westfield Bank said in a statement on its website. “He achieved an extraordinary record of community service and recognition awards – eagerly accepting leadership roles on the boards of numerous organizations and trade associations.”
Wagner received dozens of humanitarian awards for his community service, his obituary said, including from Banker & Tradesman’s former awards program, Community Bank Heroes, in 2013.
”I’ve tried to give back and be a good citizen,” Wagner said in 2013. “That’s all you can do in life.”
When Chicopee Saving Bank converted to a stock bank in 2006, Wagner established the Chicopee Savings Bank Charitable Foundation.
“Bill was a mentor, a friend, and someone who I could always go to for sound advice and encouragement,” Westfield Bank President and CEO James Hagan said in the bank’s statement. “He had a legendary career, was a respected community icon and will be greatly missed by many.”
Wagner’s family plans to hold a memorial service in the spring, according to the obituary.
