Obituary of Dennis W Wright

Dennis William Wright age 66, of Homer, NY died of brain cancer on December 13, 2013 at his home. Dennis was born in Norwich, NY, the first son of William and Mariba Wright. He is survived by his wife Ellen, his stepdaughter Shawn, her husband Mark Granoff, and their daughters Hannah and Sarah. He is survived by his son Jason, his wife Julie, and his daughter Ruby. His brother Don predeceased him. Surviving siblings are Douglas, Beth (Hubbard), and Barbara (Wright). Dennis was a graduate of the Homer School System, and of Cornell University. He served in the U.S. Peace Corps. He taught science at Homer Junior and Senior High Schools. He was the first Director of the Cortland Homer Teacher's Center. Positions at DeReuyter schools included Principal and Superintendent. Prior to retiring, Dennis was Superintendent of Schools at Cato Meridian, NY. One of his favorite positions was at Groton Elementary School as Interim Principal. In all his assignments he loved his students, and the teachers with whom he taught. Dennis was a union representative at Homer, which offered him the opportunity to express his value for the education of children. The last class he taught was to young girls, encouraging their STEM skills, and their ability to see themselves as capable in all fields of life. His talents included music, wood working, rug hooking, stained glass, stone work - to include building a large stone wall in front of his home. He enjoyed the game of golf, and the friendships developed though playing. Dennis was a member of the Cortland Noon Rotary Club. He held the office of Treasurer for many years. He was a Paul Harris Fellow, and was honored with the Rotarian of the Year Award in 2013. He was inducted into the Homer Schools Athletic Hall of Fame. His passion was wrestling. He was a Homer High School wrestler, and a Captain of the Cornell wrestling team. He was able to display his integrity, honor, commitment, and intelligence through this sport in the roles of wrestler, referee, and coach. He will be remembered for his impact on many lives in Homer, in many different settings. His friends will remember his support of them. A secular celebration of his life will be held in the near future, on a day, and at a place that will be communicated to all who knew him. Donations would be appreciated in his honor to Cortland Noon Rotary, and Cornell Wrestling. He was a man we were fortunate to know.