Christopher Wright, age 68 of Townsend

Christopher Wright of Townsend, Montana passed away peacefully on January 11, 2024 at 68 years of age.  He is survived by his loving wife Frances Wright and their six children: Margaret Frances Ruckey (Matt); Carolyn Marie Wright; Christopher Wright, Jr.; Kathleen Marie Wright (Ron Ranck); Allison Marie Rios (Jose); and Iris Marshall Wright.  Christopher is also survived by his seven siblings: Robert Wright (Valerie), David Wright, Margaret Connor (James), Theresa Marie, Timothy Wright (Nancy), Mary Beth Lopresti (John), and Kathleen Jack (William).  He was predeceased by his parents R. Donald Wright and Margaret Ann Wright.  Christopher had seven grandchildren he loved dearly and numerous nieces and nephews.

Christopher was born November 11, 1955 at the Philadelphia Naval Hospital and brought home to 11 Sunset Drive, Haddonfield, NJ.  By the time his family moved to Medford Lakes NJ in 1968, Chris had seven siblings.  He graduated from Shawnee High School in 1974.

Christopher attended Georgetown University in Washington, DC on scholarship while landscaping his way to graduation in 1979 with a degree in Psychology.  Rather than pursuing a career in that field Chris more naturally gravitated toward business, working with insurance and investment products in Cherry Hill, NJ.  It was there that he met his future wife Fran.  Chosen to open a branch office, Chris and Fran moved to the Pittsburgh suburbs in 1986.  They married in 1987 and started a family which would grow to six children.  Together they created an independent insurance and investment agency which they operated from 1989 until 2001 when they moved to Berlin, NJ, not far from Fran’s mother.  Chris was pleasantly surprised to find himself at a Sunday mass seated next to Sister Rosario, who had been his first grade teacher at Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

Not long after this move Chris was recruited by his brother Bob to work in his real estate appraisal business.  It wasn’t long before he was assigned to help manage and oversee the renovation of a large apartment property in Wilkes Barre PA.  The long commute involved a sacrifice of family time but Chris was determined to see it through.  His strong people skills and problem solving ability, along with his indomitable positive outlook were key to the eventual success of that project.  He went on to play an important role in managing several other apartment turnaround projects in Pleasantville, NJ and Shippensburg, PA.

When Chris chose early retirement in 2014, he and Fran decided that they had spent enough time living and working in New Jersey and they decided to make a new start in Montana.  Fran returned to nursing and Chris used his real estate and construction experience to build their dream home.  He found a community of Amish farmer-builders who played a significant role in making that dream a reality.  After the completion of construction Chris’ relationship with them continued when they asked him to act as their driver.  Many conversations during long car rides led to a mutually respectful friendship.  Chris eventually passed on the role to a neighbor who found new meaning in his own life through serving.

Chris enjoyed involvement in civic associations including the local chapter of Rotary International and the Broadwater County Tax Appeal Board.  Through these connections he met many new friends and found great satisfaction in making a positive contribution to his adopted community of Townsend, which he had come to love.

Chris’ wife and kids were the most important thing in his life and he never missed an opportunity to express his love and pride for them.  He was an untiring and patient caregiver to their disabled daughter Iris.  He had his family’s highest esteem for the way he carried out the hardest tasks with grace and good humor.  He was well known for his lighthearted quips which always got a laugh no matter how many times he said them, like “If I was any better, I would need a parade permit”.

Chris was active in his local Catholic parish in Townsend, where he taught CCD classes and served on the Church Budget Committee.  His faith was foundational to his life and outlook; he trusted Christ’s sacrifice for his own salvation and knew the end of this life would be the beginning of eternal life in God’s presence.  In this way he was able to face his last days with courage. He had a final “to do” list which he completed within the last weeks before his death.   Though he loved life he had an eternal perspective that helped him to face the last stage of his life without fear.  He was able to let go of this life at peace.  The positive impact of his life will continue on in the hearts of his loved ones.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated 2:00 p.m. Saturday January 20, 2024 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Townsend. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Townsend.

Service Schedule

Funeral Mass

2:00 p.m.

Saturday January 20, 2024

Holy Cross Catholic Church

Townsend, Montana 59644

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Interment

Following the Mass

Saturday January 20, 2024

Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery

Townsend, Montana 59644

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Reception

Following the Burial

Saturday January 20, 2024

Social Center of the church

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