John C. Wright Jr. ’61

John died Oct. 17, 2016, at home in Gladwyne, Pa., of Parkinson’s disease. Born and raised in Bedford, Pa., he came to Princeton from Bedford High School. At Princeton he majored in the Woodrow Wilson School, was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, wrestled, played in the band, and took his meals at Court Club. He roomed with Steve Brown for three years. 

Following Princeton, John earned a law degree at University of Pennsylvania, clerked for an Oregon Supreme Court justice, and then taught at the University of Oregon. Returning to Pennsylvania in 1967, he spent the rest of his career practicing labor and employment law with Montgomery, McCracken, Walker & Rhoads in Philadelphia, later becoming a partner. An accomplished musician and singer, John performed locally and internationally, even during his long illness.  

John is survived by his wife, A. Taylor Williams, who is chief of litigation for the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, Administrative Office of the Pennsylvania Courts; his children, Kathryn Williams, William, John, and Carrie; seven grandchildren; and brother J. Anson II ’67.