David C. Wright Sr.

GLOUCESTER – David C. Wright Sr., 77, passed peacefully on Tuesday March 24, 2026, at Kaplan Family Hospice House with his family by his side. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Elizabeth E. "Liz" (Sutherland) Wright. He was devoted to her and she to him.

Dave was born in Framingham, MA on August 18, 1948, to the late Donald G. & T. Joan (Evans) Wright, the second of five children.

Dave grew up in Hopkinton, MA before moving with his family to Gloucester. When he was younger, he enjoyed riding his bike, playing baseball and spending time with family, including many aunts, uncles, and cousins who lived in the immediate area. As a teenager and beyond in Gloucester he enjoyed playing cards, working on cars, betting on anything and everything with his friends, and maybe a little "light" racing in his '57 Chevy. He was a graduate of Gloucester High School Class of 1966.

Dave was drafted into the Army in July 1968 and served his country during the Vietnam War from 1968-1970. He was a member of the 199th Infantry, his rank was SP4 and he served as their radio operator. Dave was enormously proud of his service, although like other Vietnam Veterans he did not speak often of his time overseas.

After his honorable discharge from the Army, Dave returned to Gloucester and married Liz in April 1971. He also began his twenty plus-year career with New England Telephone in installation and repair, then moved to Yellow Pages sales and ended his career as a second level sales manager in sales training with NYNEX. Upon retirement, he was not ready to just putter around the house, so he went to work at R.B. Strong and then became a part-time delivery driver for Nor'east Cleaners, where he enjoyed chatting with the customers on his route. Dave was a very sociable person and loved to strike up conversations with those he knew and even those he did not.

Dave was a dedicated and loving family man who made it to most if not all school events, ballet recitals, sports games and or practices for all three of his children always on the sidelines, sometimes in his suit having come straight from work. He was a die-hard New England Sports fan, and he brought that love and enthusiasm for sports into helping as an assistant coach when his young son began playing Pee Wee Football, Little League, and Babe Ruth Senior Little League. He continued helping after his son moved on to high school. He was immensely proud of his grandsons and loved hearing what they were interested in and how school was going. Dave loved the summer months being outside and enjoying the sun whenever possible. He took great pride in maintaining his home, yard, and cars. He enjoyed the beach and later his pool after work and on weekends, walking his dogs, as well as vacations to Disney World and Scottsdale, AZ to visit his son and daughter-in-law.

Along with his parents Dave was preceded in death by siblings, James L. Wright, Linda E. Wright and Gordon E. Wright; brother-in-law, William R. Lewis, Sr.; father-in-law, John "Let" Sutherland; and mother-in-law, Natalie W. (Grant) Sutherland.

In addition to his wife Liz, he is survived by his children David C. Wright, Jr. & his wife Christine of Scottsdale, AZ, Tracy R. (Wright) Shea and her husband Tim of Ipswich, MA, Kelly A. (Wright) Sechrist of Gloucester; grandsons, Ryan & Eric Shea, Joshua & Benjamin Sechrist; sister, Carol J. (Wright) Lewis of Beverly, MA; nephew, William R. Lewis, Jr. & his wife Julie of Ellicott City, Maryland; as well as many cousins & friends near and far.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses of the CCU at Beverly Hospital, Dr. Blessing Phinney of Beverly Hospital (a wonderful compassionate professional). We also want to express our sincere gratitude to all the nurses and care givers at the Kaplan Family Hospice House. You are all utterly amazing, caring individuals who made Dave's last days calm, peaceful and comfortable for him, his family, and friends.

Services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Dave's honor to the Kaplan Family Hospice House (Care Dimensions) 75 Sylvan Street Suite 202 Danvers, MA or Cape Ann Animal Aid 4 Paws Lane Gloucester, MA.