Wright Everett Faatz

Wright Everett Faatz, 83, of Old Orchard Beach, Maine, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Friday, April 24, 2026, in Scarborough, Maine, following heart failure and complications from cancer.

Born on March 4, 1943, in Rockaway Beach, Queens, New York, Wright was the son of Avis (Williams) Faatz and Gerald Faatz. He went on to make Maine his home, living in Unity, Gorham, Cumberland, and finally Old Orchard Beach.

Wright proudly served in the United States Army from 1968 to 1970 after being drafted. A member of the Signal Corps, he served on the color guard at Strike Command in Tampa, Florida, and was honorably discharged in June 1970 with the rank of Specialist 4.

On August 24, 1968, Wright married Linda Treworgy, and together they welcomed two sons, Nathan and Justin, who became the great pride of his life. The marriage later ended after nine years. On December 28, 1979, Wright married Nancy Blackwell, beginning a deep and devoted partnership that would span more than four decades. Through Nancy, he became a loving stepfather to her two children, Brian and Anne, whom he embraced wholeheartedly as his own. Together, Wright and Nancy built a warm and welcoming home filled with love, laughter, and quiet acts of kindness, and he remained at her side until her passing in 2020.

Wright earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in education from the University of Maine at Presque Isle and the University of Maine, respectively, launching a long and meaningful career as an educator. For nearly four decades, he taught 8th-grade Physical Science and Social Studies at Greeley Junior High, retiring in 2002. A fantastic teacher who held his students to high standards, he loved the classroom and the craft of teaching, and his influence on generations of students was profound.

Faith and community were central to Wright's life. He previously served as a deacon at the Congregational churches in Gorham and Cumberland, where he was a steady and beloved presence.

Wright lived a full and wonderfully varied life outside of work. An avid golfer, he also followed NASCAR and Red Sox baseball with great enthusiasm, and kept a sharp eye on developments in science, technology, history, and politics. A talented musician, he played both banjo and guitar, and as an accomplished pen-and-ink artist, he created commissioned pieces for friends and family that will be treasured for generations.

Above all, Wright was known for his great sense of humor — he was rarely without a pun or a quick, clever quip ready to make those around him smile. Friends and family describe him as a true gentleman: kind, caring, and quietly generous. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, and he will be deeply missed.

Wright is survived by his sons, Nathan (Faatz) Fates and his fiancé Theanna Twitchell, Justin Faatz and his wife Sarah; his stepchildren, Brian Pettingill and his wife Tina, and Anne Ollmann and her husband Tom; his grandchildren, Sophia (Faatz) Fates, Josh Faatz, Anna Faatz, Spencer Pettingill, Grace Pettingill, and Avery Pettingill; and his brother, David Faatz of New Hampshire, Nephew Aaron Faatz and niece Hannah (Faatz) Vayens.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. A private burial will take place at Blanchard Cemetery in Falmouth, Maine.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the Cardiac Team at Maine Medical Center for their compassionate care during Wright's final weeks, and to the dedicated staff at the Gosnell House in Scarborough.