Daniel Paul Wright, 73, passed away unexpectedly on February 3, 2021 at his home in Ephrata, Pennsylvania.
Born in Lewistown, PA to Paul Erb Wright and Helen O. (Snyder) Wright on October 4, 1947, Dan graduated as Valedictorian from Chief Logan High School, Mifflin County, in 1965. At Chief Logan, Dan’s achievements were many including earning the distinction of National Merit Scholar which afforded him the honor of traveling to Washington D.C. where he was officially recognized by President Lyndon B. Johnson. After high school, Dan attended Harvard University where he studied Far Eastern Government and was a member of the Class of 1969.
He went on to spend most of his working years in the garment industry. Most notably, he worked as the General Manager for Calvin Klein Sport, Inc., Nesquehoning, PA and he later went on to own his own factory, Woolwright, in Pine Grove, PA. He was a member of the President’s Club for Trout Unlimited, a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of freshwater streams and rivers. He was passionate about fishing, wood working, walks with his well-loved canine companions, birding, gardening, sunbathing, reading, completing the Sunday NY Times Crossword puzzle in under 30 minutes in ink, wearing the finest in snarky t-shirts, and perhaps most of all enjoying a fine meal and good conversation with his family.
He was preceded in death by his second wife, Joyce (Robbins) Wright, Port St. Lucie, FL, with whom he spent many years enjoying the beaches of New Jersey and Florida, providing a home for several foster children, growing tomatoes, and pampering their pups.
Dan (Dad) will be dearly missed by his two children, Alicia Dekker (Jim) of Norfolk, Virginia and Janella Hecker (Tom) of Abington, PA., whom he raised with his first wife, Cheryl (Davis) Hornung, currently residing in Marburg, Germany. He is survived by 3 grandchildren, who were his pride and joy: Helen Dekker, Dylan Hecker, and Aidan Hecker. He was preceded in death by his youngest sister Linda Barnett of McClure, PA, and is survived by siblings Patti Stone (Jack) of Ephrata, PA and Timothy Wright (Barbara) of Townsend, Delaware, many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, whom he adored.
A small family memorial will be held at a later date. If you would like to make a contribution in Dan’s memory, donations can be made to the Ephrata Public Library by clicking here or to Trout Unlimited by mailing a check with Daniel P. Wright Memorial in the memo line to Trout Unlimited, PO Box 74000, Woolly Bugger, WV 25438-7400.