Daniel Marshall Wright

Daniel "Shaggy" Marshall Wright of Phoenix, AZ went home to be with Jesus on April 23, 2024 at the age of 49. He was born on July 25, 1974 in Westfield, MA and grew up there and in Russell, MA. He attended Russell Elementary School and Gateway Regional High School. In his teen years Daniel moved to Phoenix, AZ and attended Alhambra High School, the class of 1992.

Daniel was the beloved son of Cynthia Miner and James Wright. Danny was a loving son, brother, and dear friend to many. He will always be remembered for his jovial spirit. He was the king of being able to make a cheesy joke out of any situation and is now "hanging with his Peeps" in heaven.

Daniel was preceded in death by his grandparents, Geraldine Johnson of Huntington, MA; Richard Miner of Schenectady, NY; Peggy Drumm and Donald W Wright of Westfield, MA. His aunt Christina Wright of Westfield, MA. Also, his step grandparents, John and Irene Sheehan of East Longmeadow, MA.

Danny is survived by his parents, Cynthia Miner and James Wright, Sr., and stepmom Patricia (Sheehan) Wright; brothers Leonard Wright, Michael Wright of Westfield, MA, and James Wright, Jr. of Three Rivers, MA and his sister Melissa Wright and nephew, Christopher Wright-Williams of Manchester, CT.

Uncles and aunts include Donald A and Patricia Wright of Belchertown, MA; Gary and Sue Griffith of Quarryville, PA; Lisa and Larry Laux of Prescott, AZ; Bruce Miner and Christine Miner of Schenectady, NY; Billy Gracie of Phoenix, AZ; and Mary Herrick of Belfast, ME. Kathleen Sheehan of Monson, MA; Denis and Lee Ann Sheehan of NC; Kelly Sheehan of East Longmeadow, MA and great-uncle, Paul Wagner of Queensbury, NY.

He had several cousins, Aaron Wright, Matthew Wright, Jessica Wright, Megan Gross, and Christopher Herrick. Kevin Barry, Patricia Barry, John Sheehan, Sara Sheehan, Moira Sheehan, and Keeley Sheehan.

Daniel will be sorely missed by his true friends Richard Doucette of Maricopa, AZ and Cindina Calca of Glendale, AZ.

Daniel was a red-headed comedian who loved telling jokes and making people laugh. It was NO surprise he was a big fan of Weird Al Yankovic. Daniel loved competitions whether it was playing chess or for the best Halloween costume at a party. Sometimes Daniel wrote his own jokes and shared them on Comedy Night at a local establishment, Bull Shooters, hoping to win the applause.

Daniel loved reading books he could learn from - especially science-related ones. He owned a microscope and a telescope (which he built himself). Daniel was fascinated by astronomy and loved looking at the stars, constellations, and galaxies in the Arizona night sky or in photos from NASA space telescopes. (We like to imagine he is exploring those far-out places now in his new body).

Always interested in learning new things, Daniel taught himself sign language at an early age. He became very proficient in American Sign Language and learned about Deaf culture. Daniel used this skill to translate in sign language at social functions and would speak with deaf individuals who appreciated someone they could "talk" with.

Daniel was proud of his Irish heritage and would occasionally try to speak with an Irish brogue for fun! He was also a "long conversationalist" who could talk for hours!! Just ask anyone at the "Warm Line."

As a multi-passionate individual with several different skill sets and hobbies, Daniel learned how to do "tatting" and would make lace-like creations that he gave away as gifts.

Daniel worked in the Human Services field as a staff person in residential homes for several years and was knowledgeable about the laws concerning people with mental illness.

Daniel knew he was loved by his family and will be deeply missed. In memory of Shaggy, we suggest that you create cherished memories with your loved ones and share some funny jokes to have a hearty laugh with your friends. LOL!

There will be a Celebration of Life ceremony held the at Westfield Evangelical Free Church located at 568 Southwick Road, Westfield, MA on Saturday, June 8th at 10 am. Website: www.westfieldefc.com