Remembering Beloved Faculty Member Les Wrigley

For nearly four decades, Les Wrigley was a steady, guiding presence at Hopkins—a teacher, adviser, administrator, and colleague who shaped generations of students. He taught chemistry with clarity and purpose, mentored students with patience and wisdom, and as Assistant Head of School, modeled what it meant to serve a school community. Les passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on May 29, 2025, with his children, Catherine Wrigley Lincoln ’76 and Leslie “Lee” M. Wrigley, Jr. ’78, by his side. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Hopkins Faculty Emerita Virginia “Ginny” Wrigley, in 2018.

 

Les earned both his undergraduate and graduate degrees in chemistry at Yale University, meeting his future wife, Ginny, during a chemistry class. He joined the Hopkins faculty in 1957, with Ginny following in 1972 after the merger with Day Prospect Hill.

 

As a teacher, Les was deeply committed to the success and well-being of his students—a commitment that extended far beyond the classroom.

 

“I wasn’t the best math student, and he would tutor me over the summer to get me through the course for the academic year,” recalled Jim Flanagan '72. Les not only helped Flanagan survive math class, but also supported his athletic pursuits, taking time to attend his games. “He helped me get through what I look back on as very important developmental years in my life.”

 

Rick Fearon '84, a Hopkins parent and Trustee who enjoyed a lasting friendship with Les, spoke of him
in equally heartfelt terms. “It was his genuine interest in my life outside the classroom—my athletic
endeavors on the football field or wrestling mat, along with various extracurricular activities (some of which he clearly discouraged)—which led to a true friendship that continued 40 years beyond my graduation.” He recalled how Les’s warmth and quiet belief in his students instilled in them a sense of possibility, both academically and personally. “His soft-spoken and carefully chosen words of encouragement in both the chemistry lab and his Baldwin Hall office inspired confidence and helped shape my character. He motivated me to pursue academic goals and ultimately to choose chemistry as a major at Williams College.”

 

Along with his warmth and reassuring manner, Les had a thorough yet engaging teaching style that resonated with students and set an example for his colleagues. “Mr. Wrigley was a wonderful teacher,” said Bill Kneisel ’65 hgs, former Hopkins Trustee. “I can still see him at the blackboard explaining some chemical reaction. He was clear, comprehensive, and patient with his students. He made chemistry an interesting topic and one that we all enjoyed. There is no question that he was an excellent role model for Hopkins teachers at that time.”

 

Les and Ginny’s support meant the world to Assistant Head of School and longtime History teacher John Roberts when he came to Hopkins more than 40 years ago. “Les and Ginny Wrigley were the most amazing mentors and friends for a young teacher like me when I first showed up in 1984, knowing nothing about Hopkins or the business of education. I relied on them both heavily in those early years, and they were generous, thoughtful, caring, and patient as I worked to prove myself worthy of being a Hopkins faculty member. I would not have survived—or remained—at Hopkins if it weren’t for the love and support of Les and Ginny Wrigley. They are true Hopkins treasures.”

 

Throughout his tenure, Les’s presence was felt in every corner of campus—steady, upbeat, efficient,
and full of enthusiasm. “I remember Les usually dressed in khaki pants and running shoes, which he needed because he literally ran around Hopkins making certain everything operational was running
smoothly,” Roberts added. “He was just the most gentle and warm and wonderful man, and his
passing touches my heart deeply.”

 

Les’s impact as a teacher, mentor, and leader was formally recognized upon his retirement in 1996, when the Hopkins Parent Council established the Leslie M. Wrigley Scholarship Fund in his honor.

 

After retiring, Les and Ginny moved to Falmouth, Massachusetts. Never one to remain idle, for
the next 30 years, Les volunteered in the emergency room at Falmouth Hospital—serving faithfully
seven days a week—becoming as indispensable and beloved there as he had been at Hopkins. As
President of the Board of the College Light Opera Company, he was a constant presence in the
audience during shows, and especially delighted in musicals. In quieter moments, Les could be found along the Shining Sea Bikeway—first on foot, and later by E-trike—proudly logging his miles each day.
And as Ginny’s health declined due to Parkinson’s disease, Les remained a constant and loving
presence at her side, caring for her with the same quiet devotion that had defined their life together.  

 

“For Les, life in retirement was a continuum of what mattered most to him and Ginny while at Hopkins: doing wonderful things together with other great people. The example set by Les—the way he lived his life and loved his spouse—is among the most important lessons I learned during Hopkins and the years that followed,” Fearon added. “I miss my teacher and adviser Mr. Wrigley, and I cherish the example set and joy of life shared by my friend, Les.”

 

Les is survived by his children, Cathy ’76 and Lee ’78, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
To read more about his life and the many heartfelt tributes from his former students, colleagues,
family, and friends, please visit chapmanfuneral.com/obituaries/Leslie-M-Wrigley?obId=42703315.