Richard F. “Dick” Wright, 86, passed away Saturday, March 5, 2016, at the Rose Monahan Hospice Home, after a brief battle with cancer. Dick is survived by his wife, Susan (Johnson), and five adult children and their families, all residing in Massachusetts.

Dick worked for the Telegram and Gazette for 33 years, retiring in the late 1980’s as Vice President and General Manager of Radio Station WTAG. As News Director for the radio station and Columnist for the Worcester Gazette, his commentaries and opinions were shared with his Greater Worcester listening and reading audience. Upon retiring from WTAG he enjoyed a retirement job as a Realtor, working with Trust of New England.

Dick is survived by his children, Richard F. Wright of Holden, Stephen E. Wright of Worcester, Eljay LaForte of Charlton, Lisa Santospago of Auburn, and Douglas Wright of Worcester. He was proud of his four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter Alayne E. Wright and by a grandson, Richard F. Wright III. He is survived by his sister, Ann (Wright) Hokstad of El Cajon, California. He was born in Westford, Mass., attended Providence Bible Institute in Barrington, RI, and was a member of Sigma Delta Chi, the professional association of journalists.

Arriving in Worcester in 1955, Dick came to WTAG as a newsman and as he added responsibilities as News Director, Station Manager, and General Manager, he remained a newsman. Dick held accreditations as a news correspondent with the US State Department, the Department of Defense, and the White House. Dick was a Worcester booster. He held active roles with many civic organizations including President of the Worcester County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Trustee and Corporator of the New England Science Center, Director of the Worcester Rotary Club, Corporator of YOU, Inc., and President of the Ad Club of Worcester.

There will be memorial calling hours held on Saturday, March 12, 2016, from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM for those who want to pay respects to the family at the BRITTON-WALLACE FUNERAL HOME, 91 Central St, Auburn.