This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: KENNELLYMARKA Surnames: Wright,Thompson,Kelso.Higby. Picardo,Hoey. Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.wright/16701/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Ralph T. Wright Businessman and Hardworking Community Activist Ralph T. Wright, businessman and hardworking community activist, died unexpectedly December 27 in Sarasota, Florida. Ralph Thompson Wright was born in Erie on May 9, 1938, son of Allyn S. Wright and Alice Thompson Wright. A good education was important to Ralph. He graduated from Strong Vincent High School in 1956, attained a B.A. in economics from Haverford College in 1960, and then earned an M.B.A. in marketing, with high honors, from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1965. Thereafter Ralph joined Reed Manufacturing and laid the groundwork for the future of the Erie pipe tool manufacturer. He became President of Reed in 1982 in order to save the company. Because Ralph had a gift for both strategic planning and operations, he insured the long term promise of Reed. Ralph received the 1996 ACES Outstanding Citizen Award for business success and for providing jobs in Erie. Ralph had a longtime interest in community education and good government. In the early 1970's, he chaired a citizen committee to help the Erie school district cut costs and innovate education. For instance, Ralph helped plan the Twin Tech concept which allowed many more students to earn a vocational education in needed skills. A highlight of R! alph's good government volunteer work came during the transition from the longtime Tullio administration to the Joyce Savocchio terms. Ralph served as Vice-Chairman of Mayor Savocchio's innovative Partners Program for executives. Ralph analyzed the numbers; relentlessly focused on effective results; delivered documented, detailed strategies; and planned cost cutting programs and efficient operations for all Erie city departments. Many Partners recommendations were adopted, and helped result in the City's bond rating improving from junk status to investment grade. Because of these and many other charitable and volunteer efforts, Ralph received the United Way Alexis de Tocqueville Society Award for a lifetime of community service in 1999. Ralph was an effective community catalyst due to his original thinking, tremendous energy, and a strong work ethic. Since retiring from Reed Manufacturing in 2003, Ralph raised funds for the renovation of First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant. Ralph also continued to advocate for good government by alerting politicians to the dangers of government debt and huge pension obligations. Retirement also allowed Ralph to enjoy trips and vacations, both domestic and international, plus attendance of arts performances, lectures, and classes at the Chautauqua Institution. Ralph never stopped learning. Ralph was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Linda Kelso Wright in 2004. He was also preceded in death by his sister Dorothy Higby. Ralph is survived by his wife Bonnie, his son and daughter-in-law Scott Wright and Carla Wright Picardo of Erie and their son/Ralph's grandson Gridley S. Wright; his son Mark Wright of Erie and his fiancée Stephanie Franz of Meadville; and his sister Nancy Hoey of Connecticut and his brother Ross Wright of Georgia. Memorials may be sent to the United Way of Erie County, 420 West 6th Street, Suite 200, Erie PA 16507-1216, or the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 250 West 7th St., Erie PA 16501. Arrangements will be announced by the Burton Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 602 West 10th Street in May. Send condolences at www.Burtonfuneralhome.com. Erie Times-News on January 16, 2011, First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant," Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.