William "Bill" James Westervelt, Jr. - Obituary

illiam James Westervelt, Jr. “Bill” passed away on Monday, December 9, 2024 at his home in Arnold, MD. Born in Tenafly, NJ to the late William J. and Janet Cole Westervelt, Bill graduated from Bel Air High School in 1967 and earned a bachelor’s degree from McDaniel College (formerly Western Maryland College) in 1971 and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Baltimore. At McDaniel, Bill participated in the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) and, following graduation, joined the US Army where he earned the rank of 1st Lieutenant. His assignments took him to Ft. Huachuca, AZ and Ft. Bragg, SC. Following his military service Bill began a successful career in the banking and credit card industry at The First National Bank of Maryland. There, he oversaw both the cardholder and retail operations, served on the board of Internet, Inc. and several Visa Advisory Boards. After leaving First National, he briefly worked at Marine Midland Bank and National Data Corp, now Global Payment Systems. In 1992 he co-founded First Annapolis Consulting which later became a premier international consulting firm in the credit card industry. In 2007 he left First Annapolis and co-founded Ashby Point Capital and McGovern Smith Advisors where, upon his death, he was an active partner investing in and consulting financial technology and payments companies. Bill had a profound impact on the credit card and merchant acquiring industry, shaping its growth during a time of significant transformation. Always at the forefront of innovation, he played a pivotal role in advancing the systems, strategies and technologies that laid the foundation for modern payments, earning the respect of peers and leaving an enduring legacy in the industry. Bill was not only a visionary professional but also a dedicated mentor. His commitment to supporting young professionals set him apart, as he guided countless individuals with warmth, wisdom, insight and humor. Known for his "hands-on" investment style, Bill fostered growth not only in companies but also in the people who operated them. His generosity of time and resources left an indelible impact and inspired those who had the privilege to work alongside him. McDaniel College had a huge impact on Bill’s life mainly because of the lifelong friendships he maintained since graduating over 50 years ago. He was a proud member of the Gamma Beta Chi Fraternity, and on the Board of Trustees from 2005-2020, later becoming a Trustee Emeritus. A natural athlete, Bill played basketball, football and baseball in high school. He learned to play tennis during his time in the Army. After his service, he played regularly with his college roommate, Jim Hobart, in Columbia, MD. He competed in - and won - many singles, doubles and mixed doubles tournaments with a variety of partners and friends at the Delaware and Ocean City, MD beaches, the Big Vanilla Racquet Club and Chartwell Golf & Country Club. Known for his competitive spirit and focus, Bill hated to lose - whether it was a work proposal, a golf match or tennis tournament. He always thought he had a shot at winning. That same determination carried him through his battle against cancer. After retiring from First Annapolis Consulting, Bill found more time to enjoy Chartwell, which became a special part of his life. He continued to play tennis and started to enjoy golf. He served on the Chartwell Board for three years and became club President in 2010. Through Chartwell, he met a close group of friends, affectionately known as The Hackers, with whom he shared golf trips, Wednesday rounds, followed by putting contests, dinner and endless laughter. Bill was also a member of the Annapolis Yacht Club, the Mediterra Club in Naples, FL and Cripple Creek Golf Club in Ocean View, DE. A perfect day for Bill was a round of golf or tennis in the morning, an afternoon working in his garden, and an evening shared over dinner with family or friends. Bill took great pride in designing his yard’s flowerpots, window boxes, and annuals each season. Bill was known to be a good dresser. He preferred to wear sport coats even when they were not required, and accumulated a collection of pocket squares, scarves and hats over the years. He stashed cologne in every car, briefcase, desk drawer and travel bags. Family was at the center of Bill’s life. He shared a close bond with his siblings and delighted in supporting his nieces and nephews in their school and sports endeavors. He hosted many joyful family gatherings and loved welcoming everyone to his home in Bethany Beach, DE. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Laura Jo Westervelt; his four siblings, Elaine Westervelt Strovel, Sandi Westervelt, David W. Westervelt, Sr. (Joyce) and Leslie Westervelt; his sisters-in-law, Betsie Russell (Andy Chisolm) and Christine Russell Melendez (Izzy) and brother-in-law, William Russell (Pam); his nieces and nephews, Chris Strovel (Cindy), David Westervelt, Jr. (Sarah), Jennifer Mettee (Greg), Drew Westervelt (Lynlea), Lexie, Tommy, Emily, and Russell Melendez, Lindsay Meagher (Matt) and Kyle and Brendan Russell along with 12 great-nieces and nephews. Bill also leaves behind his “work kids”, Jimmy Krapf and Julie Miller, whose relationships with him went far beyond the professional realm. Bill made a lasting impact on countless lives. He will be remembered for his generosity, warmth, and the way he brought out the best in everyone around him. He was generous with everything he had. A Mass celebrating Bill’s life will be held on Saturday, January 4 at 11:00 AM at Church of the Nativity, 20 E. Ridgely Rd., Timonium, MD 21093. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Anne Arundel Medical Center Foundation or Church of the Nativity.