Frank R. Wright

Frank R. Wright

May 09, 1926 - June 28, 2016

Frank R. Wright

May 09, 1926 - June 28, 2016

Obituary

A Loving Obituary and Memory of Frank Rathbun Wright Junior

Frank Rathbun Wright Junior, age 90, resident of Aliso Viejo California, died of natural causes at Saddleback Memorial Hospital in Laguna Hills on June 28, 2016.

Frank, born in Brooklyn, New York, was the only child of Frank Rathbun Wright Senior and Gertrude Elting Wright. After graduation from high school, Adelphi Academy in New York, Frank enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served as a radio operator in the Asia Pacific Theatre. While enlisted, he rose to the rank of Sergeant and among his military honors received the Asia Pacific Theatre Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, and World War II Victory Medal. After discharge he returned to complete his education, receiving an undergraduate degree from Columbia University and subsequently a Master’s in Social Work from Smith College. His career path started with editorial work at High Fidelity and Audio Craft Magazine, and American Institute for Economic Research. In the early 1960’s he changed professions and became a social worker, initially working for the Massachusetts Department of Public Welfare, and completing his career at the Augusta Maine Mental Health Institute, VA Hospital.

Frank is survived by his wife of forty- five years, Gail Anne Wright, and seven children, Jennifer Anne Wright, Owen Edwin Wright, Rebecca Anne Wright, Sethany Anne Wright, Frank Rathbun Wright III, William Miner Wright, and Eleanor Anne Wright. He was the proud and loving grandfather of sixteen grandchildren ranging in age from 26 years to 3 weeks.

Frank’s children describe him as a true Renaissance man-a seeker and visionary always ahead of his time. This was evidenced in wide ranging interests including- spiritual inquisitiveness, holistic health, sustainability and organic gardening. Frank was ahead of his time subscribing to these ideas in the 1960’s and maintaining his beliefs even as they have become the norm. He raised bees, kept cows and chickens, produced home grown vegetables, made his own yogurt and wine, and harvested maple syrup from trees on his property. He was a hardy independent for whom no task whether it be wiring, plumbing, wood cutting or wine making, was unachievable.

Frank had a natural curiosity and talent for understanding electronic and mathematical concepts. This translated into a lifelong romance with the technology of the times as manifested in his initial career choice- working at an audio publishing company, setting up a home print shop and creating a dark room for his photographic interests. He immediately and enthusiastically embraced the computer age. Even at age 90 he had multiple home computers and an astounding array of on-line accounts and some very whimsical passwords!

Albeit a very private person, Frank’s children remember him as a nurturer and a lover of small children. He lovingly referred to his family as “his tribe”. He referred to himself as “chief cook and bottle washer”- tasks, along with laundry, which he enjoyed assuming ownership of in his retirement. He had a keen wit and dry sense of humor which was apparent in the names he bequeathed on many of the thirty pets, referred to as “God’s Creatures” that he shepherded during his lifetime. Little Grey, Wolfson, P.D. (Puddifoot Denathor), Old Dog Tray and Malkin Mooney to name a few. One of his favorite quotes embodies his concise view of daily life-

“When I works, I works hard-
When I sits, I thinks
When I thinks, I falls asleep”

Please join Frank’s family- Gail, Nory and Rebecca at a reception on Wednesday July 6th, 2016 at O’Connor Mortuary 25301 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills CA 926653.

Flowers and cards can be sent to:
The Wright Residence
69 Montara Drive
Aliso Viejo CA 92656-1521

In keeping with Frank’s love of “God’s Creatures”- donations may be made to
Alley Cat Allies
7920 Norfolk Avenue
Suite 600
Bethesda, MD 20814-2525

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14 responses to Frank R. Wright

  1. Sethany says:

    3 files added to the tribute wall

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    1 file added to the tribute wall

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