William McConnell ’55, whose success in banking was powered by intellectual curiosity, even temperament, and commitment to routine, died Aug. 14, 2024, at age 91.
In the competitive world of finance, McConnell excelled through his sharp mind and wit. He oversaw the tremendous growth of Park National Bank with a gentlemanly approach, never denigrating peers who didn’t share his vision.
McConnell treated people with dignity and respect during a 55-year career that saw him ascend to Park National chairman and CEO and become one of just two Ohio bankers to chair the American Bankers Association.
“He was always looking for something to like about someone,” said his daughter, Jennifer Wynne McConnell. “That was his superpower.”
McConnell used his intellect to get where he wanted to go. When his parents asked him what university he wanted to attend, he mentioned schools in Arizona, knowing his folks couldn’t bear being that far apart from him. That’s how the Zanesville, Ohio, native landed at his first choice, Denison.
On The Hill, he met his future wife, Jane Cook McConnell ’56, and became good friends with Don ’54 and Teckie ’56 Shackelford, who, like McConnell, devoted their lives to serving and promoting Denison.
“In the 70 years I was around Bill McConnell, I never saw him lose his temper,” Don Shackelford said. “You could have a free-flowing exchange of ideas with Bill even if he didn’t agree with you.”
Former Park National CEO Dan Delawder said McConnell was vital in transforming the bank from an institution with two Licking County branches and $50 million in assets to a four-state operation that today boasts 85 branches and close to $10 billion in assets.
McConnell touted the importance of routine in both his professional and personal life. Long before jogging became trendy in the 1970s, he could be seen running through the streets of Granville each day. He was also a voracious reader, and when audiobooks became popular, he literally consumed literature on the run.
At home, McConnell always ate the same breakfast: granola, fresh fruit, milk, honey, and orange juice.
“No matter how busy he was, we sat down for dinner every night at 6 p.m., and dad would drink one beer,” his daughter said. “If you finished your dinner, you got two cookies.”
McConnell emerged as a community leader with many philanthropic interests. He championed Denison in multiple roles and joined the Board of Trustees in 1986.
“My parents blossomed at Denison,” his daughter said. “And they were major proponents of education as a way of helping people better their lives.”