Richard L. Wright

Richard "Rick" Lynn Wright, of Preston, passed away Friday, November 19th at his home, surrounded by loved ones.

Rick, the son of Lynn and Maude (Brigham) Wright, was born April 9, 1945 in Norwich, NY. He grew up working his family farm in East Pharsalia while attending and graduating from Norwich Schools in 1964. Upon graduation he enlisted in the United States Army where he served as a truck and equipment mechanic for 2 years. During that time he was stationed in Bamburg, Germany. Upon his return Rick met Kathy McNitt and they were married two years later on May 10, 1969. That same year he had begun his career as "a telephone man" - as he so often called himself - where he worked for the next 39 years through the many changes of hands and retired from Frontier Communications. In 1969 they welcomed their daughter Mary Lynn and in 1971 their son Scott Brian was born.

Rick will be remembered by so many for so many things - one being his hard work ethic which allowed for him to also have a "play hard" lifestyle. One of his favorite past times was of course attending NASCAR races where his campsite could be spotted immediately decked out in his "Mark Martin Valvoline V". From the time they could walk, talk and scream he would always bring the lights of his life, his grandchildren, along. Though they may have chosen their own drivers, he instilled in them the passion for racing and the bond it brings that turn friends into family. Anyone who knows them knows how much Rick's family meant to him, solely by the reflection of him in them as they grew older. In his earlier years he also could have been found in his 1978 Ford that he would bring to Carlisle and no matter what years he could be found playing cards at the legion or telling stories of his years past, and no matter how many times they were told people just loved to listen.

Rick (and Kathy both) built a home where ALL were, and still feel welcome no matter how much time had passed since the last visit. Friends of their children and grandchildren were always welcome. Their home truly was home for many, two and four legged animals alike. It was important for Rick to be at home in his final days because of that and the family would like to thank Hospice and especially family friend Patty Foster for helping us make that possible.

Rick is survived by his daughters, Mary Lynn (Dennis) Rider of Preston and Joddy (Doug) Ackley of South New Berlin. His Grandchildren Lyndsay Provo (Mike Leonard) of Oxford, Derrick Wright of Brisben, and Dalin Wright of South New Berlin, his sister in laws Barb (Rick) Morey of Utica, Betty Reese of Binghamton, brother in laws John (Anne) McNitt of North Carolina and Terry (Teresa) McNitt of South Carolina and so many more that he would talk about with that well known glint in his eyes.

Rick is also survived by his canine friend Madison and feline friend Thor who he loved so much and both kept him company over the past few years.

He was predeceased by his wife Kathy, son, Scott, both his parents and brother, Randy Wright.

Calling hours will be held Friday November 26th from 12-2 at the R.J. Fahy Funeral home with services immediately to follow at 2:00pm. Burial will be in the J.D. Lewis Cemetery in Preston.

Please consider memorial contributions to the J.D.Lewis Cemetery Association, C/O Marty Moore, 310 Manley Road, Norwich, NY 13815, the Preston Fire Dept., 124 Cty. Rd. 19, Oxford, NY 13830 and the Preston United Methodist Church, C/O Deb Myers,

1469 Cty. Rd. 18, Oxford, NY 13830.