Stephen Robert Wright

Stephen R. Wright

Stephen Robert Wright, 86 passed away at the Vermont Veteran's Home in Bennington, VT on January 14, 2026 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.

He was born to Robert Eli and Marjorie (Smith) Wright in Proctor, VT on December 1, 1939. He grew up on a small farm in Pittsford near his beloved Bald Peak. He attended a one room school house on Furnace Brook in Pittsford. He enjoyed his young life on the farm, raising his own calf, participating in the Boy Scouts, playing in the Furnace Brook and hiking all over Bald Peak and his family's farm land. He graduated from Pittsford/Barstow High School (now known as Lothrop Elementary School) in 1957.

Upon graduation from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and was stationed on an Air Craft Carrier (USS Franklin D. Roosevelt). He served in the Navy as a photographic interpreter until 1960, at which point he re-enlisted in the Air Force as a radar technician and was stationed in St. Albans, VT until 1965. He married Ferne Mills in 1963 and they later settled in Florence, VT and raised their four daughters there, before their eventual divorce.

Steve's career began as a real estate agent in Pittsford, while he attended Castleton State College, graduating in 1973. Later in life he graduated from Leslie College with a Masters Degree in Psychology. He later became a real estate appraiser and worked in many towns providing assessment and appraisal work. He also served as Assessor in the Town of Bennington for many years.

Steve met the love of his life, Jean Remsen and they began their life together, settling Rutland Town where they lived 30 plus years. Steve and Jean enjoyed many cross country motorcycle and other trips. They also enjoyed sharing the lives of their children and grandchildren together. Jean provided many loving years of caregiving throughout Steve's battle with Alzheimer's.

Family was very important to Steve, he never left you without a hug and an "I love you." He loved to joke about his life surrounded by women, often telling of growing up with 5 sisters and then having 4 daughters. Steve was known for his jovial nature, big smile, easy laugh, and frequent stories and jokes. He enjoyed time in nature; hiking, landscaping at his home, riding his motorcycle, swimming and playing in the water with the kids at the family camp on Burr Pond, and learning about Native American culture and Vermont history.

Steve is survived by his beloved partner Jean and his four daughters; Lisa (James Ashenfelter) Wright, Vicki (Leman) Bronson, Christie (Rick Chapman) Wright, and Stephanie (Sean) Kennedy. His step-children Steffanie (Christopher) Bourque and Benjamin (Melissa McLeod) Layden. He is also survived by his grandchildren; Gyasi, Adan, and Che (Madison) Garcia, Elena Bronson, Keaton and Kennah Wright-Chapman, and Brady and Logan Kennedy. His step-grandchildren Emma Bourque and Benjamin (Kelsey) Layden. He is also survived by one great-grandchild, son of Grandson Che and Madison: Enzo Garcia. His sisters Lorna (Steve) Garrow, Roberta (Allen) Mills, and Wendy (Michael) Walsh and many nieces, nephews and special friends. He is predeceased by his parents and his sisters; Alice Provin and Gail Snow.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Vermont Veteran's home in Bennington, particularly the staff in the Cardinal unit for their years of loving care for Steve while he was there.

Steve's family will hold a Celebration of Life on 2/7/26 from 2-6pm at the Loyal Order of the Moose in Rutland. There will be a small remembrance ceremony and time to share stories at 3:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Pittsford Historical Society or the Pittsford Village Farm.