David S. Wright Obituary Springfield Union, Springfield, MA January 19th, 1967

Thanks to John McGough, I have a copy of my grandfather David Wright's obituary.  So here is a transcription.

Springfield Union, Springfield, MA January 19th, 1967

David S. Wright 'Hamp Educator, Dies in Amherst

NORTHAMPTON-David S. Wright, 79, of 67 West St., former head of the science department at Northampton High School and school athletic director, died Wednesday in an Amherst nursing home.

"Builder of Champions"

In his 29 years of coaching he was known as the "builder of champions." He coached all sports until about 1932 and from then until retirement in 1948, coached only basketball and baseball.

Born in Northampton, April 16, 1887, son of David J. and Jane C. (Reed) Wright, he was an alumni of Northampton High School and a 1909 graduate of Amherst College. He did graduate work at Massachusetts Agricultural College, now University of Massachusetts. 

David S. Wright

He served overseas in World War I from 1917 to 1919, of which 13 months was with Co. L. 328th Infantry, as a sergeant.

Mr. Wright taught at Scarles High School, Great Barrington, from 1914 to 1917. From 1926 through 1932 his basketball teams won successive Valley League titles and his 1932 squad won the New England interscholastic crown, a feat never before equaled by a Western Massachusetts school team.

Many of his team members achieved fame in colleges or became coaches at other schools.

In 1956 the Northampton High School athletic field was named in his honor.

He was a member of the Edwards Church in Northampton nd American Legion Post 28. 

He leaves three sons, George E. of Pelham, David J. of Natick and Charles M. of Wilmington, Del.; two daughters, Mrs. Cathline Grandia of Albuquerque, N.M., and Mrs. Carolyn Putnam of Willington, Del., and 17 grandchildren.

The funeral will be Saturday