Alfred J. Wright, 77

Alfred Wright

Alfred Wright

FRYEBURG — Alfred John Wright, 77, passed away peacefully in his sleep with his loving wife by his side on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016.

He was born and raised in New-town, Pa., on Oct. 19, 1939, to Alfred Walton Wright and Dorothy Lawler Webb Wright.

He married his high school sweetheart, Linda Gray, in 1958. After working in the town’s bakery and apprenticing under the owner, Alfred and Linda started their own bakery business in 1967. In 1977, they decided to move their family to the country to buy a farm and raise their own food. His mother-in-law, Gertrude Conover, jokingly, showed Al a farm for sale in Chatham, N.H., in Yankee Magazine. Al and his family traveled to N.H. to see the farm, and soon bought it.

After working in a shoe factory and then at Dunkin’ Donuts in North Conway, N.H., Alfred bought the Stow Corner Store with his son David, in 1981. After a short time, his love of baking provided the way to start a bakery at the store. He made the biggest and best éclairs, cheese Danish, blintzes and many other delectables north of Boston. People came from all over just to sample his pastries and his creations were featured in various newspapers and magazines. Al was an artistic baker as well, making his sister’s and his children’s wedding cakes, and his grandchildren’s birthday cakes. At the store, Alfred could be found talking with locals about current issues, politics, and the stock market over coffee and homemade donuts.

Al also drove the school bus for many years for MSAD #72, and enjoyed having a route that included his grandchildren. He enjoyed the outdoors and loved to hunt in his younger years.

Alfred leaves behind his devoted wife of 58 years, Linda, and their three children: Donna Wright Hennessy and her husband, John, of Chatham, N.H., Alfred J. Wright Jr. and his wife, Melanie, of Harrison, and David M. Wright and his wife, Joann, of Wales, Mass. He was lovingly known as “Pop-Pop” to his 13 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his sister, Karla Wright Edwards, her husband Wayne, of Wrightstown Pa., and their family; and his caring sister-in-law, Lois Falkler, who helped assist Linda in his care. Linda lovingly and patiently cared for him for the last 12 years, from the time he suffered his first stroke.

The family would like to thank the nurses and aides of Visiting Nurse Home Care and Hospice of North Conway, N.H., and David and Joann for the direct care and time they spent with Al and Linda.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Son-Rise Family Church, PO Box 172 , Fryeburg, ME 04037, or to Visiting Nurse Home Care and Hospice, PO Box 432, North Conway, NH 03860.

Services will be private. Arrangements are in the care of the Wood Funeral Home, 9 Warren St., Fryeburg.

Words of condolence and tribute may be shared with Al’s family at www.woodfuneralhome.org