Ellicott "Tot" Wright

Ellicott "Tot" Wright
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Ellicott "Tot" Wright, of Jamestown, Rhode Island at the age of 96. Tot passed peacefully at his home by the sea, with family by his side, after a courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease. His secret to long life was a combination of pretzels, cheap wine, ice cream, and chocolate chip cookies.
Born October 6th, 1928, to Catharine Wharton Morris Wright and Sydney Longstreth Wright, Tot was one of four children - sister, Anna, and brothers, Redwood, "Red" and his twin, Harrison M., "Harry".
Tot grew up on Endsmeet Farm in Glenside, Pennsylvania, on the outskirts of Philadelphia. The area was redistricted and named Wyncote after World War II.
Tot and his siblings began their education at the Meadowbrook School in Glenside, then attended Germantown Friends School.
Tot attended Princeton University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in music. Afterwards, he attended Harvard University and earned a Master of Education Degree. Both music and education were important parts of his life.
An active Jamestown Democrat, Tot served two terms on Jamestown's Town Council, beginning in May, 1991-1993 and again in May of 1997-1999. Tot served as Vice President during the first term. Called a statesman by his colleagues and by those of all political parties, Tot has been respected by many.
A long-time member of the Conanicut Yacht Club, and an exceptional sailor, Tot relished his chances to sail with family and friends. Tot's sharp dry wit and engaging smile were enjoyed by many who spent time in his company.
As an active, involved participant, Tot also served on the following Boards: The Newport Art Museum, The Redwood Library, Save the Bay, Community Prep school, The Pennfield School, Rocky Hill School, and the Conanicut Yacht Club. He ran a small camp one summer at Horsehead, which several Jamestown children attended.
Teaching was another one of Tot's great passions. He was an exceptional educator, approaching daily student interactions with humor and his calm, focused good nature. His ability to help children with both easy and challenging concepts was readily apparent. Tot had a way of tossing out challenges and encouraging his students to dig deep to solve them with the pride of self-accomplishment as their reward.
Initially, Tot taught at The Green Acres School in North Bethesda, Maryland, and in 1954, he began teaching at The New Canaan Country School, in Connecticut, a school his three children attended. He taught there for twelve years, and in 1964/65, Tot accepted a one-year Fulbright Exchange position at the Beeches County Primary School in England. He and his wife, Julie and their children, Peter, Missy and Tim, spent a year living abroad in Sale, Cheshire, England.
Upon returning to New Canaan, both Julie and Tot resumed their teaching careers. Tot taught second grade for a year and later became New Canaan Country School's Head of Lower School, where he successfully introduced the new concept of the open and multi-age classrooms. Not long after this, Tot and Julie separated amicably.
From 1974-1978, Tot took a job as Assistant Head of the Lower School and Associate Head of School at the Gordon School, in East Providence, Rhode Island. His trusty Jack Russell, "Drip-Dry" always came along.
Tot also taught fifth grade at The St. Bernard's School, (New York, NY) During this time, he met Mary Schachtel (his "Shacks"), an accomplished educator in her own right. Soon after, came stints at The Bancroft School as head of lower school in Worcester, MA., St. Michael's School (Newport, RI) and The Pennfield School in Portsmouth, R.I.
In 1983, Tot and Mary were married. Besides teaching for many years, Mary also headed the Jamestown Community Theatre. These productions highlighted and gave voice to hundreds of Jamestown's many talented actors, stage crew, musicians and supporters. Tot took to the stage, and he appeared in several of her plays, one accompanied by his grandson, Seth.
During the latter years of his life, Tot was challenged with Parkinson's Disease. For many years, he worked hard to maintain physical and other abilities. He and Mary became involved with a group, which supported others with Parkinson's and their families. Enjoying dinners together, celebrating special events, and having discussions that were both enlightening and supportive, were essential tools in the lives of this group.
Tot was predeceased by his sister Anna Templeton-Cotill, his brother Redwood and sister-in-law, Mary Coffey Wright, as well as Dr. Peter H. Wright, Tot's oldest son, also his son-in- law, Bruce E. Engelhard,
Tot is survived by his loving wife, Mary. He also is survived by Tot's daughter, Mary "Missy" Wright Engelhard, his son, Timothy Wright and wife, Brucie B. Wright, and Tot's first wife, Julie Camp Wright MacNary, mother to his three children. Also surviving him are Peter's former wife, Karen DeGrange, mother to Peter's two sons Matthew and Noah, and Peter's widow, Lydia Stivers, and her son, Stewart. Missing their Grandpa Tot's smiles and humor are grandchildren: Ruth Engelhard Burke (husband Chris Burke), Seth Engelhard (wife Coley Lehman), Christopher Engelhard, David Engelhard (wife Amy Engelhard), Matthew Wright, and Noah Wright (wife Elizabeth Buchanan). Also missing "Bop Bop's" warm hugs are his great grandchildren, Benjamin and Allison Burke, Daisy and River Le'Engel, and Simon and Levi Engelhard.
Many loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and life-long friends will also miss the times they spent with Tot. With Tot's declining health, Mary was able to find and employ people who faithfully helped with Tot's daily needs, making his quality of life enriched, enjoyable, and comfortable. The family's sincere gratitude for these friends and their invaluable services is deeply appreciated.
At this time, the family wishes to have privacy in order to see to the details stemming from Tot's passing away.
Details for a celebration of his life will be announced at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research and/or to Community Prep School in Providence, RI.
Our Tot will be missed, but he always will live on in our hearts and through our many memories of this truly gentle man.
Now, please go have a glass of cheap white wine, pretzels, some chocolate chip cookies with ice cream; then give a big toast to our Tot.