Robert J. Wright

Dr. Robert J. “Rob” Wright, 58, passed away on December 7, 2025 at his home in Swampscott, MA. He was the beloved partner of Mary Swain, with whom he shared 22 years of a loving relationship. Robert was born in Arlington on September 10, 1967, to Robert J. Wright Sr. and Margaret (Cleary) Wright.

Rob was an experienced core faculty member with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry. He was skilled in Higher Education Leadership, Program Development, Collaborative Governance, Workforce Development, Higher Education Administration, Course Designer/Developer, and Leadership Development. He was recognized at the local, state, and federal levels of government for excellence in public service. Additionally, Rob was a published author in the areas of collaborative governance, program impact, and emergency management.

Rob was very selfless and loved to pay it forward. He was the ultimate mentor to his students, nieces, and nephews. He also enjoyed restaurants/food, bicycling, and spending time with his late parents, and his beloved Mary who took great care of each other over their many years together.

In addition to his partner, Mary, Rob is survived by three siblings, Ramona Henriquez and her husband, Eddie of VA, Rebecca Murphy and her husband, John of Marshfield MA, and Rachel Wright-Provencher of ME (and pre-deceased by his brother-in-law Eric Provencher). He was also uncle to five nieces and nephews, Brianna, Cristian, Jack, Amber and Abby.

His funeral services will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Robert’s name to the following: The Michael J. Fox Foundation or The APDA Massachusetts Chapter.