Stuart Alan Wright

Stuart A. Wright of Eastham, formerly of Springfield, MA passed away peacefully on April 24th. 2023 at The Terraces Orleans after an eighteen-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease and complications brought on by Covid and a broken hip. His wife was by his side holding his hand.

Stuart was born in Burlington, VT in 1940, the son of Dr. Alan W. Wright and Gerta (Nurmi) Wright. He was raised in Vergennes, VT where the family lived and graduated from Vergennes High School in 1959. He graduated from Springfield College in 1963 where he received a BS degree in Education with a major in History and a minor in Math. Stu went on to earn a Masters of Education from Westfield State College in 1966 and a second Masters from the University of MA Amherst in 1968 in Personal and Guidance Services. He taught math at Westfield Jr. High for 5 years. After receiving his Masters from UMass he took a job in Enfield, CT as a guidance counselor at the junior high school and later at Fermi High School, retiring in 2003 after 35 years. Stu loved going to school every day- he truly loved his job.

Stu had many interests. He was an avid reader and always had a book, magazine or newspaper close at hand. Being outdoors was something he loved. Hiking, canoeing, camping, biking, cross country skiing, yard work and even snow shoveling were all things he enjoyed. Stu and his wife, Elaine, also loved to travel and were very fortunate to have been able to take wonderful trips all over the world. The laid back life of cruising was also appealing and they enjoyed many winter cruises to the Caribbean.

Most importantly Stu was a devoted family man. He loved being home with his wife and family. He was a great listener and always had encouragement and support for his children and was so proud of the adults they became. His last words to them were that he loved them.

Stu is survived by his college sweetheart and loving wife of 60 years, Elaine “Lainie”, his cherished children; Daughter Elizabeth Hettrich and her husband, David, of Delmar, NY; Son Christopher Wright of Webster, KY; and his beloved granddaughter, Jillian Hettrich, of Kingston, RI.

He was predeceased by his parents, his brother, Donald, and his sister Janet.

The family would like to thank the nurses, aids and activity staff at The Terraces for the incredible amount of love, care, attention, and support they showed to Stu and his wife over the past year. It was exceptional and will never be forgotten. Also thanks to Beacon Hospice for their added care and support during the last weeks of Stu’s life.

On June 17th, 2023 there will be a calling hour from 11AM-12 Noon followed by a memorial service conducted by Rev. Wesley Williams at Nickerson Funeral Home, 77 Eldredge Park Way, Orleans, MA 02653. Please join the family for lunch following the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your favorite charity. Burial will be private.