Franklin L Wright

Franklin L. Wright, age 80, of Lancaster, P.A., passed away peacefully on April 24, 2025. Frank was born in Philadelphia, P.A. on March 22, 1945 to Victoria Douglas and Franklin L. Wright. He was predeceased by a brother, Douglas Roy, who died shortly after birth. He is survived by Willette “Willie” Wright, his beloved wife of 56 years, his son Geoffrey Wright and grandchildren Megan and Matthew Wright of Vienna, V.A., and son Stephen Wright, daughter-in-law Jennifer Wright and grandchildren Sydney and Tyler Wright of Bryn Mawr, P.A.. Frank had a successful business career and enjoyed a long retirement. He was proud of his service in the US Army, but took his greatest joy and satisfaction in having a wonderful life partner, Willie, and in seeing his sons become fine men and good fathers.

Frank lived most of his life in the Mid-Atlantic states, but he had a special affinity for Long Beach Island, N.J. where he summered virtually every year of his life. Frank grew up in Pennsauken, N.J. and graduated from Pennsauken High School where he was editor of the yearbook. He entered the College of William and Mary in 1963 where he was a member of Sigma Pi fraternity and a senior editor of the college newspaper, The Flat Hat. After graduation from W&M he enrolled in the MBA program at the University of Tennessee, but left to join the US Army. Following Basic Training and Advanced Infantry Training at Fort Dix, N.J., he was sent to Europe and was selected to serve in the Office of the Commander in Chief – Secretary General Staff, US Army Europe and 7th Army. He was based in Heidelberg, Germany with responsibilities focused on controlling highly classified documents. He was honorably discharged in July 1970 and entered the Hague Academy of International Law in den Hague, Netherlands. Following completion of his studies he entered Temple Law School in Philadelphia, P.A. where he was editor of the Temple Law Review and graduated with honors in 1973.

Following his time at the Federal Home Loan Bank Board in Washington, D.C. and as a Housing Counsel for the National Association of Mutual Savings Bank, he joined The Dime Savings Bank in 1983. During his 17 years at the Dime he held a variety of executive positions including Special Assistant to the CEO, Director of Investor Relations, Asset Recovery Executive and eventually Executive Vice President of The Dime Savings Bank. Frank was also active with non-profit organizations including NYC’s Settlement Housing Foundation, Neighborhood Housing Services, The One Hundred Year Association, The Family Counseling Service of Garden City, and Spray Beach Yacht Club in N.J.

Frank retired in 2001 as Executive Vice President and Director of Corporate Operations. Following his retirement, he was commissioned to write a history of The Dime entitled “Roads to Riches – a History of The Dime Savings Bank” with all book sale proceeds donated to charities benefiting the heroes of 9/11.

Throughout his career and thereafter, Frank attributed his success to the support of his wife, Willie. Frank and Willie met in 1965 at Long Beach Island’s A&W Root Beer stand while working summer jobs. They were married June 21, 1969 and enjoyed 56 years of marriage and adventures together. Following his retirement, he and Willie moved to LBI full time. Some of their fondest memories are cruising from New England to Florida and back to N.J. on their trawler “Equity.” At various times during retirement they lived in Naples, FL, Leesburg VA and finally moved to Willow Valley Communities near Lancaster, PA. Frank was an amazing Grandpop clocking countless hours telling uniquely creative bedtime stories, setting up elaborate train track villages, building Lego creations and making his signature pancake breakfasts. He adored his grandchildren, and especially loved it when they brought him broken toys and said “Grandpop will fix it. Grandpop can fix everything!”

Frank and Willie pursued their love of travel with trips all over the world. Frank kept records of all of their various travels by collecting maps and hanging them in their den. At last count, they had visited all seven continents, 80 countries and 49 states. Franks favorites included seeing the penguins on Antarctica, touring Yellowstone in a 1937 open bus, whitewater rafting in New Zealand, landing at Cape Horn, and watching the Eagles win the Super Bowl at Disney World. They had so many adventures and made wonderful memories together.

In 2012, Frank was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, but he battled the disease with tenacity. He said that while he knew he couldn’t beat Parkinson’s, he wanted to lose slowly, and he did. He threw himself into various therapies including Rock Steady Boxing, which he loved for both the exercise and for the people. He also volunteered with the Parkinson’s Foundation and was one of the first Ambassadors for the Aware in Care program. Frank’s life was a life well lived, with a loving life partner, wonderful children and grandchildren, friends and business colleagues. The title of one of his favorite movies says in all: “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

According to his wishes, Frank will be cremated, and a memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research would be appreciated.