Donald A. Wright

Donald A Wright passed away on October 3, 2023 at the age of 96   He is survived by his loving wife of 73 years Carol (Shellman), daughters Lynn (Lou) Spiotti Jr, Jan (Jeff) Langswager, (4) grandchildren Chris (Paige) Langswager, Nick (Elizabeth) Langswager, Lisa (Billy) Johnsen, Kristen (Mike) Tompkins,  (7) great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Don was born in Syracuse NY.  He moved to Rochester at a young age.  He graduated from Monroe High School where he became an All American distance runner. He continued to receive track and cross-country accolades through his college career.  He received a BS degree in Physics from Union College.  During his tenure there he enlisted in the US Navy and served as an engineer on fighter jets during WWII. When the war ended he received his MS degree in Statistics from the University of Rochester.  Don was employed as a statistician at Eastman Kodak Company and retired from Kodak after 39 years. He was also an instructor of Statistics at Rochester Institute of Technology as an adjunct professor.  This year marked his 40th year of retirement!

Don had many interests, loved to travel, and was a great “do-it-yourselfer”.  He could fix anything.  He enjoyed athletic competition and excelled in many sports including bowling, softball, tennis and skiing.  He loved playing cards with friends.  His greatest passion, however, was for the game of golf.  He was a charter member of Ridgemont Country Club and a member of the Board of Governors.  He was a lifelong student of the game.  He had his first hole-in-one in his 80’s and was last seen at the driving range at age 94 (where he was still working on his swing!)

Don had many cherished friendships. He will be remembered as a wonderful loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who would do anything for his family.  He will be sorely missed.

Many thanks to the people at the Veteran’s Administration of Rochester as well as the NYS Veteran’s Home in Batavia for the care they provided.

A memorial gathering will be planned at a later date. A bench will be dedicated in his memory at the Ridgemont Country Club driving range.