Cheviot Financial in Cincinnati said that Chairman Robert L. "Bob" Thomas died unexpectedly on Saturday.
Thomas, 72, had been a director of Cheviot since 1989 and was also a member of the board's audit committee.
"We are deeply saddened by Bob's passing," Mark Reitzes, chief executive, said in a news release. "He provided our Board with great support and guidance for over two decades."
Thomas was the founder and owner of R&R Quality Meats and Catering, a company he founded 52 years ago, Cheviot said.
The $573 million-asset Cheviot is the holding company for Cheviot Savings Bank.