
Richard Gordon Wright
Help us celebrate Richard! Please share your stories and photos, and invite others who remember Richard.
Richard Gordon Wright passed away after a long illness peacefully at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, surrounded by his family on January 6th 2025. He was born early on Sunday morning, February 11th 1945 at Memorial Hospital in Albany, NY. He grew up on the family dairy farm in Washington County, NY, a time he always held dear. He graduated from Stillwater Central School in 1963, and afterwards he went on to earn a Bachelors degree in Science from Sienna College in 1967.He was drafted and served in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1970 as an Intelligence Technician, serving in the Mekong Delta during the Vietnam War. His role was to extract enemy radio transmissions crucial to operations of the IV Corps. He was honorably discharged and awarded the Army Commendation Medal for his time overseas. When he returned to the states, he attended one of the most highly rated respiratory therapy programs in Niagara, NY. Upon his graduation he was employed at Putnam Memorial Hospital (now Southern VT Medical Center). During his over 40 year career there he served his patients with skill and care. He was instrumental in getting respiratory therapists registered in the State of Vermont and proudly held the second license issued in the State. In 1977 he married the love of his life, Jane Genski and they were married for over 47 years. They had two beautiful daughters, Lindsey Martin and Lauren Wright. He enjoyed his time spent outdoors with his flower and herb gardens no matter the season, as well as all the years he spent as a member of the local chapter of The Lions Club, and spending many mornings and taking many hikes with his "Geezer" coffee group. After his retirement he spent a lot of free time volunteering at the Bennington Free Library, a task he did with pride. He is survived by his wife Jane, daughters Lindsey and Lauren, his sister Christie Dudar of Latham NY, and brothers Robert Wright (Smith Ann) of Greenwich, NY, Jonathan Wright (Anne) of Albany, NY, as well as numerous nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his father Gordon Wright and mother Marguerite. Services will be at Sacred Heart St. Francis de Sales Roman Catholic Church in Bennington VT on Saturday, January 25th at 11am. A light reception will follow at the Parrish center. The family would like to thank the Primary Based Home Care team with the VA for all the special care they gave Richard who became family to them. The family would like to request in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bennington Free Library and or the VT Veterans Home Activity Fund through Hanson Walbridge Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 957 Bennington VT 05201

