Richard Lee Wright

Richard L. Wright, 56, of Newcomerstown, died peacefully in the presence of his family in University Hospital of Cleveland. He had courageously battled leukemia for ten months. Born August 22, 1947 in Dover, he was a son of the late Wilmer S. and Helen Lucille Brown Wright. Richard was a 1965 graduate of New Philadelphia High School. He continued his education at Kent State University where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, and later a Masters of Education specializing in Administration. He began his teaching career under the direction of Ward Holdsworth, and always held him in high regard. In a highly decorated teaching career that spanned thirty-five years, its entirety at Newcomerstown High School, Mr. Wright made every effort to touch the lives of young people in his community. He was an assistant coach of the Newcomerstown Trojans Football Team during their undefeated1972 season. He went on to coach basketball there, and served as athletic director before most recently serving as golf coach for more than two decades. His most significant contribution to his students came from his academic pursuits. Mr. Wright served as the Newcomerstown advisor for Scholar Challenge and Envirothon. He coordinated the Newcomerstown Science Fair for many years and even partnered with his colleague Jim Wherley to begin Science Camp, which they successfully held in both New Philadelphia and Newcomerstown during the summer. During his career, he led four student-teacher educational tours abroad, visiting Costa Rica and various countries in Europe. For his exceptional commitment to his students, he was awarded numerous citations from statewide organizations, as well as being the first recipient of theTuscarawas County Educator of the Year award.The Grace United Church of Christ was another important institution in Mr. Wright’s life. An active member, he had previously served on consistory, and the Sunday School Board. He taught “Tri-C” Sunday School class in the church for many years while also taking charge of “Fellowship Time,” more affectionately known as Cookie Sunday to the children of the church. At home, he enjoyed traveling with his family and spending time with his wife, the former Marianne Turner, whom he married November 4, 1988.Mr. Wright’s family also includes a son, Andrew (Tiffini) Wright of New Philadelphia; a daughter, Lindsey Wright of Dover; a sister, Judith (George) Yoder of Dover; a (favorite) mother-in-law, Barbara Turner of Sugarcreek; a brother-in-law, Victor (Linda) Turner of Sugarcreek; sisters-in-law Nannette (Mel) Yoder of Sugarcreek; Carol (Bob) Leasure, Louisville, CO.; nieces Bethany (Scott) Miller, and Tiffany Turner; nephews Christopher (Julie) Yoder, Victor Troy Turner, Nathan (Rochele) Yoder, and Trent Yoder; a great-niece, Jordan Miller; and his schnauzer Phoebe. Friends are invited to call Sunday, December 7, 2003, anytime after 2 PM with the family present from 2-4 and 6-8PM at the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory of New Philadelphia. Rev. Janet Matthews will lead a funeral celebration of Richard’s life Monday afternoon at 2:00 PM in the sanctuary of Grace United Church of Christ in Stone Creek. Burial will follow at Evergreen Burial Park in New Philadelphia. Members of the church will host a reception in the church fellowship hall following the service. In recognition of his service to the church, please make memorial contributions to Grace United Church of Christ, PO Box 97, Stone Creek OH 43840.