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William Wright Obituary
William F. "Bill" Wright, 72, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2025, following a courageous battle with lung cancer. Born in Yonkers, New York, to Creighton and Edith Wright, Bill spent his childhood in Darien, Connecticut, where he graduated with the Darien High School Class of 1971. A standout track and field athlete, his javelin ability took him to the University of Colorado Boulder. He ultimately transferred and graduated from the University of Vermont Class of 1975.
In 1978, he married the love of his life, Sara "Sally" Wright (formerly Wurtzell) also DHS Class of '71, embarking on a partnership of nearly five decades filled with devotion, adventure, and unwavering support.
Bill built a long and successful career with Mobil, later ExxonMobil, which took them to The Woodlands, Texas for 12 years. After retiring in 2015, Bill and Sally returned full time to Darien, where they continued to enjoy the roots and relationships that meant so much to them.
An avid outdoorsman, Bill found joy wherever fresh air and nature could be found. He loved hiking, camping, skiing, lobstering, kayaking, hunting, ice skating, and spending time on his boat on Holly Pond. In retirement, Bill found fulfillment in returning to Darien High School as an assistant track coach, working with javelin throwers and sharing both his expertise and his enthusiasm with a new generation of athletes.
Bill was deeply devoted to his community. He took special pride in his role as the unofficial "harbor master" of the Seagate Inlet and treasured the friendships of the Seagate Road neighborhood. He served on the Darien Environmental Protection Commission and spearheaded a number of local environmental efforts, reflecting his abiding respect for nature and his stewardship and love for Long Island Sound.
Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Sally; his children, Samantha and her husband Patrick Collins of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and Thomas and his wife Sarah Wright of Seattle, Washington; and five energetic grandchildren who brought him immense joy: Norman, Caroline, Ellen, Calvin, and Tucker.
He will be remembered for his kindness, his integrity, his adventurous spirit, and the quiet strength with which he loved his family and community.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the East Coast Contemporary Ballet (www.eccballet.org). A celebration of life will be held in the spring of 2026 with more details to follow.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Wright
Sponsored by Lawrence Funeral Home - Darien.
Captain Jeffrey Eng
January 14, 2026
We made Seagate mooring field Fabolous !
Michael Brennan
January 10, 2026
It's hard to imagine living on Holly Pond without Bill Wright. His presence and smiling face made the neighorhood a welcoming place. No problem was too great or too small for him to lend a helping hand. Because of his involvement, our Seagate community and town of Darien are truly better places to raise a family. Summer on the pond will not be the same without kayakiing harbor master. It was a privilege to know him.
Deborah A Corrente
January 8, 2026
Sally, So sorry about Bill. I remember you both coming to vist your Mom at Atria (Stony Brook Court) then.
Catherine Vail
January 6, 2026
God bless your family a I'm a member of St Luke's in darien
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Margaret MacMillen
January 5, 2026
I met Bill - and his wonderful wife, Sally - several years ago through Frank Kemp, their neighbor and dear friend. From the start, Bill was extraordinary: full of life and fun, and the kind of friend who truly cared about people.
When Frank became terminally ill, Bill would come by every morning with coffee, food, and that big megawatt smile, asking, "What can I do?" He gave so much of himself - his strength, enthusiasm, compassion, and humor - and it lifted all of us. His care for Frank never wavered.
Seeing how deeply he loved Sally, his children, and his grandchildren was a joy.
I feel blessed to have known him.
Sam Bridges
January 5, 2026
Bill Wright was a great man, a friend to all, and a wonderful steward of Darien's environment. We consider ourselves lucky to have known him and to have enjoyed his company for years.
Sam & Joanna Bridges
Robert J Mazza
January 5, 2026
I first met Bill last summer while East Coast Contemporary Ballet as creating new works at a residency in Darien. My wife and I were preparing meals for the company at the home of Bill´s neighbor and good buddy Frank Kemp who, along with Bill and Sally, graciously opened their homes to house the dancers for several weeks. Bill would look in on Frank, who was terminally ill, on a daily basis and chat with him (and me) keeping his spirits up. During these few weeks, my wife Linda and I grew close to Bill and Sally as well as to Frank and Margie, who was Frank´s love. We shared meals together as well as personal experiences. It was a time we will remember fondly.
One thought that Bill shared was that, being a sports and outdoors person, he had never gone to a ballet or had any interest in it, but at Frank´s urging, he went to see a performance of one of ECCB´s productions and was astounded at the athleticism, artistry and entertainment. He got great joy from it, spoke about ballet with great enthusiasm and became an avid fan.
We are so glad to have known Bill during these weeks as he has made a lasting impression on my wife and me as well as on those in the company all who have been part of his life.
Bob Mazzone
January 5, 2026
Bill was a wonderful friend, as genuine as the day is long. Always smiling, welcoming and enthusiastic. His love of being on the water was infectious. He made our community a better place.
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