Dr. Donald Lawrence Wright

Dr. Donald Lawrence Wright, 91, died peacefully on May 15, 2024, in Durham.

The youngest of three boys, Don was born Sept. 7, 1932, to Raymond Reese Wright Sr. and Bertha Margaret Fritz. Raised in Prospect Park, Pa., Don received his undergraduate degree from West Chester University, his master’s from Penn State University and his doctorate in education from Temple University. 

Known for his quick wit, great sense of humor and colorful German vocabulary, Don was a devoted husband to his wife of 65 years, Ann. Largely inseparable, the two traveled the world together in retirement. He enjoyed playing tennis, losing at family games and hosting happy hours.

Don developed a lifelong love of music. He played the trombone, sang barbershop with his father, brothers and friends, and learned to play the tuba at 80. He led the music program at Doylestown United Methodist Church where he and his family were active members for many years.

 A U.S. Army veteran who served two years in South Korea, Don loved his three daughters and spent his weekends sharing his love of nature, music and gardening. As an educator, Don opened one of the nation’s first Head Start programs and one of the first alternative high schools.

Don's legendary patience, kindness and love for his wife and family endured even in the final stages of Alzheimer’s.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his brothers Raymond Wright Jr. and Robert Wright, and his sister-in-law, Evelyn Wright. 

He is survived by his sister-in-law, Dolores Wright Winters; his daughters, Patricia (Mark) Stecklein, Susan Wright, and Janet (Bart) Houck; grandchildren Janelle (Derrick) Nelson, Paul (Jamie) Stecklein, Eric (Sarah) Stecklein, Dr. Shannon Houck and Ryan (Amy) Houck; and three great-grandchildren, Elora and Isaac Nelson and Lily Stecklein. 

Services will be held on Sept. 7, 2024, at Croasdaile Chapel, 2600 Croasdaile Farm Parkway in Durham. 

Don’s family would like to express deep appreciation for the wonderful care provided and ask that donations be made to Croasdaile Employee Appreciation Gift Fund at 2600 Croasdaile Farm Parkway Durham, NC 27705.