“Milt” Wright Passes Away
Milton Francis “Milt” Wright
Apr 10, 1944 – Jan 3, 2024
STANNARD: Milton Francis (Milt) Wright,79, died unexpectedly following a brief illness at his home in Stannard on January 3, 2024. His wife Diana was at his side.
He was born April 10, 1944, in St. Johnsbury, the son of the late Francis and Marjory (Miles) Wright. He attended Wheelock public schools.
On April 29, 1965, he married Diana L. Williams at the Greensboro United Church of Christ. They spent nearly 59 years married, working together, and raising their boys in Hardwick.
In his earlier years, he was employed by several local businesses including Hardwick Knitwear, the Ford Garage, and as Street Commissioner for the Village of Hardwick. He would later go on to own and operate his own business, Wright’s Auto in Hardwick, fulfilling his childhood dream of owning a fleet of bright red trucks. Milton made many new friends with his towing service over the twenty years that he operated the business, coming to the aid of stranded drivers day and night.
He was well known in the area as ‘Uncle Milty’ from his years racing the 03-stock car on the ACT Tour. His friends and competitors were his ‘other family’ spending most weekends of the summers racing at tracks in New England, Maine, Quebec, and farther afield. Milton was known for his sportsmanship and willingness to come to the aid of others, he was honored with the McTavish award in appreciation of these qualities by his track family.
Later in life he was better known as Grumpy, an affectionate nickname bestowed on him by his granddaughter Tyler as a child. He could be found daily making his rounds collecting his newspapers, visiting with friends and family, having breakfast at the Busy Bee in Glover, and puttering on his many projects.
Survivors include: his wife, Diana of Stannard; two sons, Drex Wright and his fiancée Kate and Dirk Wright, all of Hardwick; five grandchildren, Tyler, Joot, Timber, Lydia, and Walker; many nieces, and nephews.
Milt was predeceased by his sister, Patricia Flanagan.
A celebration of Milton’s life is planned by the family this summer, send condolences to Diana at unclemilty03@gmail.com to be notified of the date.
Arrangements are in the care of Dian R. Holcomb of Northern Vermont Funeral Service, 60 Elm Street, Hardwick. Online condolences are welcomed at: northernvermontfuneralservice.com.
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Sources: Northern Vermont Funeral Service