Retired Andover Fire Chief, Harold “Butch” Joseph Wright, died unexpectedly as a result of a stroke in Tempe, Arizona on December 28, 2014 at the age of 70.
Butch is survived by his wife, MaryAnn (Frechette) Wright of Mesa, AZ, and children, Brad Wright and his wife, Juliet Correll Wright, and grandchildren Willow and Marsten, of Andover, MA; Brian Wright and his wife, Jenine Marino Wright, and granddaughters, Madison and Dylann, of Melrose, MA; and daughter, Melissa Wright, and grandson, Max Techau, of Burlington, VT, and his beloved Aunt Marie (Cote) Bernard and Uncle Leo, of Andover, MA.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 39 years, Martha (Sweetser) Wright, his mother Doris (Cote), and long-time stepfather, Henry Godin, of Andover, MA.
Butch was born on August 14, 1944 in Lawrence, MA, and graduated from Andover High School. During summers at Lake Winnipesaukee, he met his wife, Martha Sweetser, and they married in 1967.
He entered the Navy and served on the U.S.S. Lake Champlain during the Vietnam War. Following his naval service, Butch joined the Andover Fire Department. He earned an Associate’s degree with High Honors in Fire Science, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Administration. Through 34 years of service, he rose up through the ranks to the position of Fire Chief, and retired in 2000. In addition, he was a member of the Christ Church Vestry, and he served on the Town of Andover Finance Committee for a number of years.
In 2009, Butch married MaryAnn Frechette. They resided in Arizona where they enjoyed the desert climate and treasured their circle of friends.
Butch enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, who remember his incredible handyman abilities and his love for singing, travelling, and storytelling.
A funeral service is scheduled for Monday, January 12th, 2015 at 10:00am at Christ Church in Andover, MA, followed by burial in Spring Grove Cemetery and a reception. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Butch’s life. In lieu of flowers, please submit donations to the Essex County Fire Chiefs Association, ECFCA, 430 Chebaco Road, Hamilton, MA 01982, where contributions will go towards funding a new search dog for Essex County Technical Rescue Team. For additional information and guest register, please visit, www.burkemagliozzi.com.