Thomas Mead Wright

WRIGHT Thomas Mead Wright, age 79, of Orange, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family July 6, 2007. Born July 17, 1927, son of Julia (Treat) and Stanley Benjamin Wright of Orange. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 58 years, Margaret Hunter Wright, formerly of Atlanta. Surviving are two brothers, Richard T. Wright of Orange, and Stanley B. Wright of New York, N.k. He was predeceased by his daughter, Barbie, wife of Bob Adams of Woodbridge. He leaves behind his other children, Judy Williams and her husband Art of Orange, Becky Daymon and her husband, Jay of Woodbridge, Missy Slater and her husband Hal of Southington, and Tom"Will" Wright and his wife Lynn of Orange. His beloved grandchildren who will also miss him are Monty, Sterling, Mandy, Amy, Liza, Sarah, Danny, Cody, and Tucker. Thomas was a direct descendant of Colonial Governor Robert Treat and one of the founding families of Orange. He was the 11th generation to live on the land that was granted to the family in 1639 by Charles the First. His love and dedication to farmland and open space was evident throughout his life with his involvement in the local 4-H clubs and being a member of The Farm Bureau. Thomas served in the navy during World War II, and has been a member of the American Legion Post 127 for over 50 years. In 1948, he started his successful business, T.M. Wright Excavating, Inc., by leaving University of Connecticut and purchasing his first bulldozer. During the nearly 60 years in business he built many of the roads and excavated for home sites and septic systems in the growing town of Orange, earning the respect of the townspeople. Over the years, he was very active in the town of Orange, serving as a volunteer fireman, chairman of the board of finance, chairman of the Orange Cemetery Association, the building committee of the Police Station and several other town committees. T.M., as known by many, generously donated his equipment and labor for many town functions including the Orange Country Fair, the High Plains Picnic Pavilion and walking track, Camp Cedarcrest and The Orange Kids Playground. In 1991, he received the Outstanding Community Service Award from the Orange Rotary. In 2001 the Chamber of Commerce awarded him for Outstanding Community Service Through-out the Years. His love and dedication to the town of Orange is unsurpassed and his imprint on it's character is deeply etched and will never fade. A Memorial service will be held at the Orange Congregational Church in Orange on Saturday the 14th at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice or in the memory of his daughter Barbie to Yale Cancer Center Office, Medical Development, 135 College Street, Suite 200, New Haven, Ct 06510-2483. There will be no calling hours and burial will be private. The Smith Funeral Home 135 Broad St. Milford is in charge of arrangements. To leave condolences or for directions, please visit our website @ www.georgejsmithandson.com.