In Memoriam: William (Rick) Pank, 88
VP of Aerospace at Chase Before Retiring in 1995
William Fredrick "Rick" Pank, 88, of Norwalk, CT, who spent his entire professional career at Chase Manhattan Bank, died on September 27, 2025.Born in Medford, MA, Pank spent most of his childhood in Rye, NY, where he captained the cross-country and track teams, took to the stage for school plays, and sang in the chorus at Rye High School. He later graduated from Wesleyan University and earned a law degree from New York University. He rose to Vice President of Aerospace before retiring in January 1995 from Chase Manhattan. He also served in the Army Reserves.
Pank lived most of his adult life in Rowayton, CT.
A lifelong music lover, Pank boasted an extensive music collection spanning a wide range of musical genres, from Beethoven and Bach to Scott Joplin, Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, all of which were meticulously catalogued. Certain national anthems and school fight songs, as well as bagpipes, gave Pank goose bumps. He was a devoted Boston sports fan, especially of the Red Sox. Two of his favorite places on earth were Tanglewood and Fenway Park.
He played tennis and paddle tennis; he pitched for The Whales softball team; he loved to fish off his boat with his family, and he rode bikes, rowed and kayaked. He coached his kids' sports teams and followed his grandchildren's teams closely. Upon retiring, Rick took up photography, winning some ribbons and selling some prints, too.
Pank volunteered his time to the Rowayton Historical Society, Rowayton Arts Center and The Emig Foundation.
He is survived by his wife, Brenda; two sons and two grandchildren.
Remembrances
Please send remembrances to news@chasealum.org
From Karl Schmidt: I am sorry of Rick Pank passing. We both worked in the Corporate Bank of Chase; he in the Aerospace Division, myself in Automotive.
Rick was not only a good Banker but also a competent Technical Director. He had an indepth knowledge of the Aerospace industry which was very important to assess credit risks. RIP Ric.k
Rick was not only a good Banker but also a competent Technical Director. He had an indepth knowledge of the Aerospace industry which was very important to assess credit risks. RIP Ric.k
From Manuel Peña-Morros: Rick Pank was a gentleman, good friend and excellent professional.
He was instrumental in assisting our aerospace business in Colombia in securing financing to the then national carrier, Avianca, and during its debt restructuring due to Latin America debt crisis.
Rick also assisted us in Mexico in our participation during the privatization of Mexicana Airline.
RIP and give strength to his family.
From John Nozell: Rick was a wonderful mentor to me and so many others who spent time in the Aerospace Group. So many wonderful memories. More than a mentor, Rick was a dear friend, and he always reminded us that we needed balance in our lives. I certainly wouldn’t have made it to the gym as often without Rick’s prodding! RIP friend. My thoughts and prayers are with Brenda and his sons.