Mortimer Dickinson Wright ’41

"GENTLE, KIND, goodnatured, Mr. Wright ... also had a black belt in the martial art of politics (and) the end of politics for him was to make life enjoyable." These words were printed in a lead editorial following Mort's death Aug. 29, 1992, from KugelbergWelander syndrome, a spinal muscular atrophy. He had been the leading citizen in the town of Groton, Conn., and lived with his wife, Eva, in Noank.

Born in Essex, Mort Wright prepped at Exeter, endured the boisterous freshman bunch at "11 Dick," majored in history, joined Cloister Inn, and roomed with Bill B.irge and Phil Confer. He was an ambulance driver with the British Eighth Army in Africa, the British Ninth in Syria, and the U.S. Fifth in Italy. Britain gave him the Empire Medal for bravery. In 1947 he set up an insurance/real estate business in Mystic. Forays into Democratic politics led to several appointments, culminating in election as State Representative from a district encompassing parts of Groton Town, Mystic, Old Mystic, Noank, and Groton Long Point. An early leader for environmental conservation and historic preservation, Mort brought his talents to innumerable community endeavors. He became known as "the man to see," if anyone had a problem. They named a 76acre nature reserve in his honor.

To Eva, to daughter Elissa and her children Matthew and Elizabeth, to daughter Hansina, and to sister Priscilla Pratt, we extend deep sympathy.

The Class of l941