William L. Wright

William L. Wright, age 76, of Ogdensburg, passed away with complications from lung cancer on Saturday (May 5, 2018) at Claxton Hepburn Medical Center with his wife by his side. There will be a private prayer service for his family at the Fox & Murray Funeral Home on Friday, May 11, followed by a public graveside service with military honors at 11:00 am for family and friends at the Ogdensburgh Cemetery. Pastor Linda Foody will officiate. Bill wanted his family and friends to celebrate his life with a party, so there will be a get together at the Freighthouse Restaurant, Ogdensburg, following the graveside service.

Surviving is his wife Karen; two sons Noah Wright of Lake Hill, N.Y. and Thomas Wright of Boulder, CO; a daughter Ellen Wright & her fiancée Joshua Baublitz of Henrietta, N.Y.; a brother Timothy Wright of Ogdensburg; a mother-in-law Dorothy Lauber of Heuvelton and a brother-in-law Brian Lauber & his wife Cheryl of Virginia, along with many cousins.

A sister Dr. Nanette Gordon, sister-in-law Bonnie Wright, and brother-in-law Robert Lauber predeceased him.

Bill was born on March 15, 1942 in Ogdensburg NY, a son of the late Archie & Leona (Prosser) Wright. He graduated from Heuvelton Central School in 1960, and later enlisted in the US Army from 1964 – 1966 as a paratrooper medic, serving with the 173rd Airborne Brigade. After receiving his honorable discharge, Bill earned his RN at Canton College and worked in geriatrics at veterans’ hospitals. He also worked at United Helpers Nursing Home as a nurse for a few years. In 1973 he attended the NYS Ranger School in Wanakena NY, graduating in the Class of 1974. After working for Finch Pruyn Paper Company as a logging supervisor, he returned to Ogdensburg. He found his life’s work at Mater Dei College in Ogdensburg, where he earned a degree in alcohol treatment. In 1986 he began his career at the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center Alcohol Treatment Center where he worked until his retirement in 1997.

Bill was a member of Friends of The Ogdensburg Public Library, the Society of American Foresters, the National Rifle Association, the American Chestnut Foundation and the Planetary Society. He enjoyed being in the woods, hunting, reading, gardening and being with friends & family.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Ogdensburg Public Library, 312 Washington St, Ogdensburg, NY 13669 or the NYS Ranger School Alumni Scholarship Fund, P. O. Box 48, 27 Ranger School Road, Wanakena, NY 13695 to the attention of Gail Simmons. Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.foxandmurrayfuneralhome.com.