Obituary of Donald James Wright

Donald James Wright, age 56, passed away at his home on May 17th. He is survived by his loving wife, Rachel, and his son, Emmitt, of whom he was immensely proud. Dons life could be described in a wide variety of ways because he was many things to many people: devoted son, brother, husband, father, teacher, coach, field official for a variety of sports as well as a loyal friend. With a phenomenal sense of humor and a gift for instruction, he gave everyone he knew the gift of laughter. Don never stopped learning, studying, searching, and questioning €¦ everything. He began his career as a dairy farmer, graduating from Cornell University and taking over the family business from his father, the late William H. Wright. Don later received his teaching degree from SUNY Cortland, and his never-ending thirst for knowledge made him an outstanding teacher at St. Marys School and finally at Newfield Central School. He would teach a lesson with so much enthusiasm and happiness that it felt less like a lesson and more like a conversation with a friend. In his years of teaching he touched the lives of many, and as a coach and field official for lacrosse, soccer and volleyball, he gave to many young people as much guidance about life as he did the sport. Many a dinner conversation concerned Dons love and pride for his students and their accomplishments, on and off the field. The Newfield School theatre productions even found him willing to step on stage from time to time, whenever they needed an old guy, he once said. Don also shared a special love of music with nephew Jason, whom he considered as much a brother. Don loved music of all genres and was known to play a mean stand-up bass with a local group known as, Back Room Bluegrass. He really was a renaissance man in the best sense of the term. Don is also survived by his mother Mariba, brothers Dennis (Ellen Wright), Doug (Mary-Beth Wright) and sisters Beth (Kim Hubbard), Barbara (Peter Wright), nephew Jason (Julie Johnson), step children Abbi Albro and Levi (Liz Davis) and four grandchildren, as well as a long line of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. His list of friends would go on forever. Philosopher Plato once noted, He whom love touches shall never walk in darkness. Don will forever walk in sunshine. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, May 28th, from 3:00 to 5:45 p.m. at the Center for the Arts of Homer, followed by a celebration of his life at 6:00. In lieu of flowers, Dons family asks that donations be made to the Newfield Sports Boosters Club (247 Main St. Newfield, NY 14867), where a scholarship will be set up in his honor. To offer online condolences visit www.wright-beard.com My thoughts and prayers to Donnie's family. RIP to our class president, you had the best smile, you will be missed, from your class secretary Paula Stoker I would like to extend my deepest and sincere sympathies to Donnie's family & friends. I am very sorry to learn of his passing. May you all take comfort in the memories you share and know that you will be reunited with Donnie in the future. You are all in my prayers. God Bless. Debi Ahrens Howe What a beautiful life! I did not know Don well, but I remember him from our youth at the Homer Methodist Church. Barb-you know the Stoker's are thinking of you and your circle of family and friends during this time in your lives. May He Comfort and Bless You. Donna I'm having trouble believing Don is gone, much too young! I have many great memories of the fun on the farm we had as kids, me being the "city" cousin who didn't know too much. Wish I could be there with you all to say good bye, but unfortunately that cannot be. I'm there in spirit! Love and prayers, Michael Money Phoenix AZ So sorry to here of Don's passing. I have so many great memories of him from the wrestling floor of Seneca Hall at SUNY Binghamton. It is with great sadness to hear about the passing of my freshman college roommate, Don Wright. I offer my condolences to his wife, Rachel, and son, Emmitt, and the entire Wright family. In college, Don and I shared a rural Upstate NY heritage, of which he was so very proud, but was never shy and Don easily associated and befriended classmates and wrestling teammates from the urban areas of NY. They all respected and enjoyed Don's easy going personality and friendship. Godspeed Don, you have left this earth way too soon and you will be sincerely missed. Mark Palombo Mel, I will always remember your smiling face. You "lit" up the world with that infectious smile and personality. The world is a sadder place without you. We will miss you. Sincerely, 2 Beer. My most sincere thoughts, prayers and condolences to all family and friends of Don. At one time a LONG time ago he was my world. He was a renaissance man even when he was a boy. A true servant of our Lord Jesus Christ, he was a vocal Christian even in high school. Perhaps his early pass to heaven that breaks hearts of those of us still living is the best reward for such a great guy! Anita Dziuba Molz Rachel and family Sorry to hear about Don. We did not know him well, but did know of him. Hear is to hoping that the happy memories of him sustain you and keep him close to your heart. Fondly, Cathy and Leigh