CT Dad-To-Be Passes Away One Day Before First Child Born

GOSHEN, CT — A local father-to-be unexpectedly passed away earlier this month - just a day before the arrival of his newborn daughter.

Donald E. Wright died on July 10 at the age of 33. He leaves behind his wife, Catherine, and their daughter, Delaney Elizabeth Wright.

A GoFundMe campaign is raising money to help support his daughter, from her early development needs to her future college fund.

“It's a way for those who loved Don to be part of his daughter's journey ahead—surrounding her with the love, strength, and community he would have given her every day,” the campaign says.

As of Wednesday at 4 p.m., the GoFundMe campaign, titled “Don Wright Memorial Fund — In Loving Support of His Daughter,” had raised $143,715 out of a goal of $250,000 via 594 donations.

“Don was the brightest light in so many lives, and becoming a dad meant everything to him,” the campaign says. “He would have brought that same warmth, presence, and unmistakable Don energy to fatherhood.”

Anna Flynt, campaign organizer, said the effort has already received a “tremendous outpouring of love and support,” and the family is grateful to all who have donated.

“Don is so deeply missed,” Flynt said. “The outpouring of support from Don and Cat's friends, family, and extended community is a direct reflection of the kind, generous people they are. We’re all heartbroken by this loss and doing everything we can to ease even a small part of the pain. Thank you to everyone who has shown up with such love and generosity–it means the world.”

Wright was raised in Goshen on his family’s historic homestead, where he helped on the family farm, according to his obituary. He regularly worked at the front gate at the annual Goshen Fair. He had worked as an engineer in the biomedical field, and most recently served as vice president of translational research and development at the Cambridge, Mass.-based Epicore Biosystems, his LinkedIn profile and obituary show.

Wright married his wife Catherine in 2019, and he had recently been busy preparing the couple’s home for their first child, including designing a nursery and play space.

“Though he never got to hold her in his arms, Don’s spirit lives on in her initials, her smile, her fantastic head of hair, and in the hearts of all who knew and loved him,” his obituary says.

A funeral is planned for Friday, July 25 in Goshen.