Stephen P. Wraight

Stephen Paul Wraight, "Steve," passed away on October 17, 2024 at age 73 in Freeville, NY, after a 20-year long battle with metastatic prostate cancer. He passed at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Bath, NY, on January 16, 1951 to parents Doris and Duane Wraight. He grew up on a farm in Avoca, NY, with his three siblings. As a child he spent his free time exploring nature - climbing his favorite oak tree, hiking, snowmobiling, and especially admiring, studying, and collecting insects.
Steve pursued his love of insects in his university studies. He earned his bachelor of science degree from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF) in 1974 and his Ph.D. from SUNY ESF in 1984. He spent 36 years working as an applied mycopathologist pursuing research and development of entomophthoralean and hyphomycete fungi for control of various insect pests of agricultural crops.
Steve met the love of his life Sandy Galaini in 1982. They worked together in the same research lab at Boyce Thompson Institute at Cornell University. They married in 1984 and continued to work together for the rest of their lives. Their daughter Sarah was born in 1986 and shortly after, the family moved to a farm in Goias, Brazil, where they conducted agricultural research for almost 3 years. They returned to Ithaca, NY, in 1990 where their son Seth was born. The family moved to Harlingen, TX, in 1992 and lived there for 4.5 years before returning once again to upstate New York.
Steve and Sandy were dedicated volunteers in 4-H for 20 years. They began an entomology project in Harlingen, TX, and when they returned to New York they started a project there. Through this volunteer work, Steve and Sandy helped dozens of young people learn about the beauty and wonder of insects and the rest of the natural world.
Steve was a devoted husband and father and is deeply grieved by his family. We miss his wry humor, his fathomless love for his family and the outdoors, and his quiet but steady presence in our lives. We will be forever reminded of him by all the beauty that surrounds us.
A celebration of life will be organized in the near future. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider donating to any of the following: American Cancer Society, Tompkins County 4-H, or your favorite environmental conservation organization.
Steve is survived by his wife Sandy Galaini Wraight, daughter Sarah Wraight, son Seth Wraight, sister Carole Wraight, and brother Clark Wraight.