Donn D. Wright

1928 - 2015
Donn D. Wright, son of Joseph Thatcher Wright and Grace Marsh Wright, has died in Ft Myers, FL on January 10th, 2015. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Barbara Townsend Chase Wright, his three children, Andrea, Jefferson, and Jason, his eight grandchildren, and one great grandson.
Donn was born in Dayton, Ohio on April 18, 1928. He graduated from Lawrenceville School, Lawrenceville, NJ in 1946, enlisted in the Navy, then graduated from Trinity College, Hartford, Ct, earning a BA in Fine Art. He later studied theology at General Seminary and NYU. His early professional life was varied and colorful; starting as a mail room clerk at Young and Rubicam Advertising Agency, then in human resources at Connecticut General, in marketing for graphic designer, Lester Beale, finally settling into the work that he loved for the rest of his career: independent schools.
Donn was Director of Development and Secretary of the Academy at Blair Academy in Blairstown, NJ for five years, then he realized a dream and became Headmaster of Hoosac School in Hoosick, NY. He brought Hoosac from the brink of bankruptcy and restored its reputation twice; from 1966-1971 and from 1984-1990. In between his tenures as seventh and eleventh Heads of Hoosac, he was Headmaster of Millbrook School in Millbrook, NY. At Millbrook he oversaw the introduction of co-education. He also worked as a fund raising consultant for several non-profits and schools, including the Maine Maritime Museum, Bridgton Academy, and North Yarmouth Academy. He was a member of the Headmaster's Association, and he was honored by the National Association of Episcopal Schools with the John D. Verdery award in 2004. In the school world he was known for his ability as a fund raiser and for his tenacity. To quote Richard Lomuscio, his successor as Head at Hoosac and great friend, "Donn was never afraid to lock horns with bishops or trustees."
Besides Barbara, Donn had many loves: sailing the coasts of Maine and Florida, painting, writing and telling stories. He had a wonderful imagination and appreciation of beauty. And he loved a good joke. He is deeply missed by those who loved him. The family will have a private memorial "party" this summer and place his ashes at the flagpole of his beloved Bright Cove.