Dale E. Wright

Dale E. Wright, 74, of Girard, passed away peacefully in his home on Monday, August 23, 2021.  Dale was born February 5, 1947 in Warren and is the son of the late Harry and Mary (Kolarsky) Wright.  He was a graduate of Newton Falls High School and Dale served his country in the U.S Army as an infantry soldier from 1966-68 during the height of the Vietnam War.  After serving, he held a variety of jobs before settling into the Mahoning Valley where he attended Kent State University for two years. He discontinued his education at Kent when he was accepted into the tool and die apprenticeship program at Packard Electric. He went on to successfully work as a tool and die maker at Packard for 31 years, retiring in 2001 at the age of 54.

Dale had a wonderful sense of adventure and loved to travel the world.  He was one of a select group of people to travel to all seven continents, and traveling to Antarctica was a particular highlight for Dale.  He ended up traveling to an astonishing 59 countries, and loved to reminisce about seeing sights like the great pyramids in Egypt, floating in the Dead Sea, and exploring the lost city of Petra, Jordan.  Traveling and going on adventures nurtured Dale’s soul and brought out all of his best qualities.

Given that Dale retired so young, and consistent with his adventurous spirit, he was fortunate to spend the winter months in his second home in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.  Having spent nearly 20 years in “P.V.” as the locals call it, he made many close friends that he looked forward to seeing year after year.  His P.V. friends truly became a second family to him.

Dale also loved nature and nothing brought him more joy than being outside in the woods. He had a deep love and respect for all living things, and had the uncanny ability to connect with animals. Anyone who knew Dale would tell you that Dale would always stop to pet any cat or dog.  His love of nature developed during childhood, when he would hunt, trap and camp along the Newton Falls River. His love of hunting and the forest stayed with him throughout his life, and Dale became a talented taxidermist who donated a full-mounted black bear and full-mounted deer to the Ford Nature Center in Mill Creek Park, which remain on display.

Those that knew Dale would acknowledge that his biggest sense of pride and joy was his daughter Erin (Andy) Wright Lothson of Chicago, IL. Though Dale had many hobbies and interests throughout his life, his number one priority was his daughter and he was committed to Erin seeing through her education. Although Dale never completed college himself, he took immense pride that his daughter completed hers and went on to become a successful lawyer in Chicago.  Dale also took great comfort in knowing that Erin was happily married with two children and that she was settled and cared for by her loved ones.

Memories of Dale will be carried on by his daughter, Erin Wright Lothson of Chicago, IL; sisters, Jane Anne Lewis of Kentucky, and Marilyn Wolfgang of Tallmadge; along with two grandchildren, who he loved unconditionally, Connor and Catherine. Besides his parents, Dale is preceded in death by his sister, Evelyn Miers.

In accordance with his wishes, no calling hours or services will be held at this time. A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held in the spring along the Newton Falls River and additional details will be forthcoming.

In lieu of flowers or donations, please take a walk in the woods or a nearby park in honor of Dale’s memory. His spirit will lovingly smile upon you as you remember him on your walk.