David Bennett Payne, of Elkins and Lebanon, New Hampshire, died peacefully, surrounded by family, on May 6, 2025. Dave came across as a mild-mannered and plain-spoken man, under which lay deep empathy and passion, extraordinary leadership abilities, and razor-sharp wit and wisdom. He cared deeply for his family, community, and friends, and he will be dearly missed. Dave leaves behind his wife of 64 years, Beverly, two daughters, Debra and Susan, and a son, David. "Pop-Pop" adored his three grandchildren - Grace Babb, Logan and Aiden Jewell - who were frequent recipients of his good-natured ribbing.
Throughout his adult life, Dave was quietly and deeply embedded in family and friendships, and in the organizations he served, as well as the various activities in which he participated, such as skiing (snow and water) and racquet sports (badminton, pickleball, and tennis). He was a custodian and provider from early in his life to the end, enabling his loved ones and organizations he served to thrive from his wisdom and fiduciary guidance. His wit matched his wisdom - clear-eyed, subtle, and on-target.
Born in 1936 in Rockville, CT, to Grace and Clarence Payne, he graduated from Rockville High School in 1954, going on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Dartmouth College in 1958. Returning to CT, he worked for 30 years at the Connecticut Bank and Trust Company (CBT), becoming president of CBT, and then chief financial officer of Bank of New England. He retired as chair of Trust Company of Connecticut, which he founded in 1991.
Dave gave his time broadly, serving as director of several organizations in the Greater Hartford, CT area, including Hartford Hospital, Hartford Healthcare, the Hartford Graduate Center, the Institute of Living, McLean Home, and Westminster School. In Simsbury, he served several terms on the Board of Education and the Board of Finance. He was a past president of the Hartford Society of Financial Analysts, past chair of the Connecticut Bankers Association, and former board member of First New England Capital.
Dave was invested in New London, NH, his adopted home of twenty-five years. He was a member of the New London Citizens' Advisory Committee, and a trustee of three organizations in town: Kearsarge Area Council on Aging, Ausbon Sargent Land Preservation Trust, and he served on the Board of Trustees at Colby-Sawyer College for 15 years.
A celebration of Dave's life will take place this summer in New Hampshire. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Visiting Nurse and Hospice for Vermont and New Hampshire at 88 Prospect Street, White River Junction, VT 05001; or donate to a charity of your choosing.
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