Lawrence E. Wright, 87

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. —  Lawrence E. Wright, 87, loving husband and father, died on July 20, 2023, at the Williamstown Commons. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Son of Willis and Helena (Kellogg) Wright, he was born in Mount Vernon, New York and moved to Williamstown, Massachusetts as a child. He was educated in the local schools and graduated from Deerfield Academy. He spent his summers at Camp Becket as a camper, counselor, and Village Director and continued to support the camp over the years. Larry earned degrees from Williams College, MIT, Brown University, and a PhD in Computer Science from RPI. After college, he married Judith Netherwood, returning to Williamstown, where they raised their family.

Larry managed Mathematical Services at Sprague Electric before moving on to Williams College. He spent 22 years at Williams as the Director of the Computer Center and Lecturer in Computer Science. During his career, he introduced the first courses in Computer Science at Williams and oversaw the many upgrades and advancements that were rapidly occurring in the field. He ended his career as Associate Professor of Computer Science and Department chair at MCLA, retiring in 2000.

As an active participant in town affairs, Larry served on the Conservation Commission, Community Chest Board, Pine Cobble Trustees Board, and Williamstown Representative to the Mt. Greylock Advisory Council. Later, he was appointed by the State to serve as a State Appointee to that council. He was a member of the town’s 250th Anniversary Committee and the Board of Directors for the town’s historical museum. He was a 30-year member of the Zoning Board of Appeals. He led the Rotary Club Christmas caroling for the town as the children awaited the arrival of Santa. As a member of the First Congregational Church, he served terms as Trustee and Moderator. In retirement, he was a volunteer for the Friends of the Milne Library, Recording for the Blind, and the Williamstown Historical Museum.

Larry enjoyed reading, puzzles, gardening, canoeing, and playing squash. He had a dry wit and was a loyal friend.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Judith, his daughter, Jennifer Wright of Fremont, CA, his son, Eric Wright of Conway, SC, and his brother-in-law, Kent Turner of Binghamton, NY. He was predeceased by his sister Barbara (Kent) Turner of Binghamton, NY. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

FUNERAL NOTICE: A family service will be held at the convenience of the family at a later date. Donations in his memory can be made to the Milne Library in Williamstown, MA in care of FLYNN & DAGNOLI-MONTAGNA HOME FOR FUNERALS CENTRAL CHAPEL, 74 Marshall St. North Adams, MA 01247. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.