Allen Lewis Wright

1931 - 2025

Allen Lewis Wright

Randolph, VT - Allen Lewis Wright died peacefully on October 15, 2025 at his home (Joslyn House) in Randolph Vermont surrounded by his family. He was 94 years old. Allen was born on October 4, 1931 in Randolph Vermont, the 8th child of Carroll and Julia (Luce) Wright.

Allen attended school in Randolph, graduating in 1950. He was a gifted athlete, excelling at baseball and basketball. He often was selected Captain of the team! Allen joined the Air Force on December 27, 1950 serving in Korea and was honorably discharged in September of 1954. He served in the Vermont Army National Guard from 1956 to 1958.

Allen met Arlene Ricard while she was attending the Nurses training program at Gifford Hospital. They married on May 30, 1955 in Bridgeport Connecticut. This May (2025) they celebrated their 70th Wedding Anniversary.

In his early career he held jobs at the Randolph Furniture Factory which later became Ethan Allen Furniture Factory, the Shell Station (owned by his brother Maynard), and sold Metropolitan Life Insurance. He worked for the US Postal Service as a letter carrier for 25 years, often being the only person that some of his customers saw throughout the day.

After retiring, Allen and Arlene continued their legacy by opening the Joslyn House. Along with Randolph Neighborhood Housing (present day RACDC) they envisioned the shared housing facility and visited the Governor in Montpelier to begin procuring the funds and support to open Joslyn House. Joslyn House opened in1992 and has been a home for hundreds of people over the last 33 years. Allen and Arlene received the Vermont Governor's Outstanding Service Award in 2017 for outstanding service as a family after managing the Joslyn House for 25 years.

Allen was very involved with his community. He volunteered for the Randolph Village Fire Department for over 25 years, drove the Stagecoach, and delivered Meals on Wheels. He held memberships at the American Legion, Montague Golf Club, Randolph Fish and Game, and Tres Dias of Vermont.

Allen had a strong physical body most of his life. He was often called upon to help move heavy items. Renee Nadeau and Rudy Day would call on Allen to help move appliances, furniture, and caskets. Out of all the pianos he helped move there was only one mishap.

Over the years Al enjoyed playing golf, softball, bowling and hunting. Some great memories were made at our family's annual vacation on Lake Dunmore, Al and Arlene hosted these summer vacations for 25 years. He also loved playing cards and doing crossword puzzles and he had a great appreciation of music.

Allen's family was his greatest love. He is survived by his loving wife, Arlene; their two sons, Robert (Rose) Wright and Richard (Lisa) Wright and their three daughters, Rebecca Wright, Andrea Banks and Alison (Robert) Scully. He is also survived by his sister Evelyn (105 years old), 9 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents and 4 brothers; Maynard, Vernon, Leigh, Jake Wright and 2 sisters Ola Hutchinson and Beverly Rogers as well as a son-in-law, Bennie Banks.

A memorial mass will be held on Wednesday October 29 at 11:30 a.m. at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church in Randolph followed by a committal service with full military honors at the Vermont Veterans Cemetery at 1:00 p.m.

The family would like to thank the residents and staff at Joslyn House for all the years of friendship and care they provided to Allen.

In lieu of flowers, contributions, in Allen's memory, may be made to Joslyn House, 16 Maple Street, Randolph, VT 05060. The Day Funeral Home in Randolph is assisting with arrangements.