Thomas Walter Wright

Thomas Wright, beloved husband, father, and papa passed away surrounded by his family on September 1, 2025 after living with Multiple Myeloma for the past six years.
Tom was born on October 29, 1954 and was a lifelong resident of Lowell, Massachusetts. He is survived by his siblings, children, grandchildren, and wife of nearly 50 years, Donna. Tom and Donna were married in 1977 and built a beautiful life together. Together, they've been through everything there is and it's hard to imagine anything they've missed. They share a lifetime of stories, experiences, and memories.
Tom was a devoted family man and modeled what it means to put family first. When his children were growing up, he supported them through their many activities. Tom was always ready to bring them wherever they needed (or wanted) to go - a trip to the book store or library, sledding at Shedd park, day trips to Canobie, bowling at Brunswick, skating or bike riding at the boulevard, and the list goes on. He provided countless hours of guidance and mentorship about questions big and small around the dining room table. He was always there to help with math homework, or to draw a diagram if a visual was needed. As his children got older, he supported them as they built lives of their own and was always just a phone call away. Eventually, Tom became a grandfather and reveled in his new role as "Papa". Tom took delight in his grandchildren and they in him. As they were growing up, and until the very end, Tom could often be found doing any number of activities with them - coloring, playing board games, going for walks, watching a tv show, building together, flying kites, teaching them how to fix things, and even letting them do his hair and nails.
Tom found joy in the simple things in life - time spent with family, a chocolate chip ice cream cone, a morning coffee, Sunday dinner, a rainbow after a storm, strawberry shortcake with fresh strawberries from Parlee, Hallmark movies at Christmas, driving his granddaughter to school or tending to their garden together. Tom especially enjoyed trips to the beach with his family where he would hunt for shells with his granddaughters and bask in the warmth of the sun beside his wife. Many happy memories were made on Sunday trips to Hampton or summer vacations to Ogunquit or Cape Cod. Although summer was his favorite, Tom loved a holiday, and was the master of ceremonies at the family's annual Thanksgiving pie night. At Christmas, he was known for his decorations, both inside and out. When his children were young, he would don his Santa suit at Christmas, much to his children's delight. His love of the holidays will live on in his children and grandchildren through the traditions he helped them to create. Tom worked hard to become a master electrician, maintaining his license and continuing to work even through his illness. He worked for many years at Digital Equipment Corporation, and then for the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority for thirty years. Tom found pride and joy in his work and gladly mentored others, modeling a strong work ethic and commitment to excellence. He never complained about a Monday, the long commute, or waking in the middle of the night to cover a storm. He was meticulous in his work and humble about how truly talented and skilled he was. In his many years at the MWRA, he formed many friendships that he truly cherished.
Tom's family would like to extend their thanks to friends and family who have been part of his support system, offering assistance and companionship along his journey. From checking in on him and Donna, helping to lug down the Christmas decorations, Tuesday trips to dialysis, opening and closing the pool, or showing up at the door with a smile and hello, every act of kindness was appreciated. The family also extends their thanks to the doctors and nurses who have been part of his care team through the years.
Tom was gentle and soft-spoken, loyal and hard-working, mischievous and fun, and above all, so very loved. Although it is hard to imagine a world without Tom physically in it, we know he will be there on every blue sky day, at the end of every rainbow, on trips to the beach, at every Sunday dinner, and forever in our hearts. In memory of Tom, his family encourages you to spend time with family, take a walk on the beach, enjoy an ice cream cone, or maybe even all three.