Brian Thomas Wright

Brian Thomas Wright passed away peacefully in his home on April 24, 2026, surrounded by his beloved wife and sons, after a courageous fight with cancer spanning several years.

Brian was born on May 11, 1956, in Mansfield, Massachusetts to loving parents James “Jim” and Virginia “Ginny” (Carr) Wright. While still an infant, he moved to Bangor, Maine with his parents and brothers Steven and Jim, where he grew up and attended public schools, graduating from Bangor High School in 1974.

He married the love of his life, Jeanne Anderson Hartford, on October 20, 1984. He was a dedicated father to his two sons, John and Patrick Hartford, and later a devoted grandfather to Madison (Hartford) Rossignol and Jack Hartford. He was thrilled to become a great-grandfather to June Rossignol in 2025.

Brian graduated from the University of Southern Maine in the 1986 with a B.S. in Special Education. He became fluent in American Sign Language and worked as a tutor at the Baxter School for the Deaf. He then began an outstanding 37-year career as a beloved special education teacher in the Lisbon, Maine school district. He loved his work and his students, and they loved him. He continued to teach part time for a number of years after his retirement.

Brian was a gifted and talented musician, playing both piano and guitar, a talent which he bestowed upon his grandchildren and many other nieces and nephews. He was a creative songwriter and enjoyed regular jam sessions with his brother Steven, friends Ed Folsom and Billy Gierhan, and many others. He was also a skilled arts and craftsman and his love language was making homemade gifts for family and friends, most notably acorn figurines.

He was an avid fisherman and loved spending time on Upper Range Pond, where he and Jeanne had their home and camp. This is where he started an annual family fishing tournament called Basser, earning him the title of Bassmaster. He was skilled at fly-tying and liked trying them out on the rivers and streams in the area. His love of fishing and his imaginative intellect led him to publish a fiction book entitled 'Fish of a Lifetime', a hilarious story of fishing adventures.

Brian had an infectious sense of humor and zest for life that would enliven any gathering, large or small. He always made sure that people were comfortable and felt involved. Brian’s many family members and friends will miss him deeply but the wonderful memories he helped create will live on in their hearts and minds. He played an important role in the lives of several couples by Marrying them as an ordained officiant.

Brian was predeceased by his parents Jim and Ginny Wright; his brother Steven; his father and mother-in-law Leland “Andy” and Marjorie Anderson; and his brothers-in-law, Leland and Joel Anderson.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Jeanne; his sons John and Patrick Hartford; his granddaughter Madison (Maddy) Rossignol and her husband Derrick; his grandson Jack Hartford; his great-granddaughter June Rossignol; his brother Jim Wright and his wife Nancy; his sister-in-law Renee Wright; his niece Laurie Daniels and her husband Dennis and son Eban; and many, many, many Anderson siblings, nieces, and nephews.

A memorial visitation for family and friends will be held at Wilson Funeral Home in Gray, Maine, from 4-7 PM Monday May 4.  

Please reach out to Brian and Jeanne’s granddaughter Maddy at 207-620-4706 if you wish to support the family with a meal or other delivery.

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