William (Bill) Wallace Stetson died peacefully on Saturday, March 21, 2026 after a long illness. He was 84.
He was born in Exeter, NH, and raised in Portsmouth. He graduated with top honors from Northeastern University in 1964 and earned his MBA from Columbia University Business School in 1965.
He served as an officer in the U.S. Navy from 1966 to 1969. Following the service, he built a successful career in banking, holding executive positions at the First National Bank of Boston and BayBanks. He retired in 2008 as a Senior Vice President of HSBC North America in New York City.
While living in Manhattan he met his wife, Nancy, whom he married in 2001. In 2008, he retired in Cape Cod. He is remembered by family and friends as gourmet cook, an avid reader, piano player, and world traveler. They describe him warm, thoughtful and generous.
He was also deeply involved with the Northeastern Torch Scholars program, where for many years he hosted summer gatherings to welcome new students. He also served as treasurer of his family’s Stetson Kindred of America, Inc.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy; his daughter, Sarah; his twin sons, William Jr. and Leander; his grandchildren, Adam and Emily; and stepdaughters Liz and Jessica Rubin.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.