Richard Wraight

Norwich — Richard “Dick” Wraight died peacefully under the care of Hospice and the wonderful staff at Mansfield Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation Saturday night, Jan. 6, 2024. True to form, he orchestrated his leave of this world as the first snow of the season was falling, just hours after his daughters and family visitors left, four years to the day that he lost his beloved wife, Judith Hamblen.

Richard was born in Norwich, and spent almost all of his life there. After graduating from NFA in 1960, he received an associate’s degree at Mitchell College and took classes at Northestern before entering the National Guard. He was always a hard worker and after a few years at EB, he worked for 30 years at Thomas G. Faria Corp. as an electrical engineer — designing and directing quality control of tachometers and speedometers. He enjoyed a lot of traveling within the U.S., as well as to China, Taiwan and Europe, while he worked for Faria.

He loved jazz and big band music and visited many clubs, often during those work trips, to see some of his favorite performers throughout the years. Later, he would crank up the speakers he built for his turntable stereo and blast this music throughout the house, much to the annoyance of his family! Richard also loved camping, from his childhood as a Boy Scout to his summer stays at Salt Rock Campground in the ’80s and ’90s. When his girls were growing up, he enjoyed wood-working projects with John Radwill, as well as many other home projects that “required” weekly trips to Benny’s and True Value. He was also famous for cooking gigantic breakfasts for Erin and Laura’s friends, whom he called his “other daughters,” telling stories of his days at work, or reciting random facts at the dinner table. He made us laugh and roll our eyes in equal measure. Richard was generous and caring; but also a perfectionist who always expected your best, and let you know it if he didn’t think you were doing it. His sense of humor and sarcastic quips keep those who knew him on their toes. “Old me” was quite a character and will be missed by many.

Richard leaves behind his brother Robert Wraight of Gales Ferry; his daughter Erin Wraichette and Jessie of Franklin; his daughter Laura Wraight and Mandi Brenek of Franklin; his stepdaughter Bethany Hamblen and Alex Woodward of Norwich; his grandson McAllister Wraichette; and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind all his “other daughters” in the friends of his girls and a few special musketeers that he has known since his high school days. He was predeceased by his parents, Mary (Havern) and Nelson Wraight; his former wife Carol Radwill Rozea; and his wife, Judith Hamblen.

Calling hours will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan.

13, at Woyasz & Son Funeral Home, 141 Central Ave., Norwich. Richard’s ashes will be scattered at a later date in a private ceremony.