Obituary of Robert E. Wright

Bob Wright, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away on May 30, 2023. He was 85 years old at the time of his death. He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Sandra; his sons Douglas Wright (Susan) of Cedar Grove, NC and Stuart Wright (Nancy) of Cazenovia, NY and grandchildren Victoria (Max), Brittany (Devin) and Jackson; his daughter Tamara Acosta (Paul) of Ithaca, NY and grandsons Sebastian and Alexander, and brother James of Kingsland, GA. He is predeceased by his parents Lynn and Kathryn and brother, Lawrence. Born July 17, 1937 in Ilion, NY, he grew up in Mohawk, NY where his parents owned and operated Wright’s Furniture Store. He graduated Mohawk High School in 1955 and went on to earn a degree in Civil Engineering from Clarkson University in 1959. After college, he entered Officer Candidate School (United States Navy) and upon completion, began a tour of duty with the Navy. He served his country proudly aboard the naval destroyer USS Edmonds as the ship’s navigator. He ended his Naval career in 1963 with the rank of Lieutenant JG. Bob spent most of his working life in Elmira, NY as an engineering executive for Thatcher Glass. He was passionate about his family, friends, communities and the outdoors. Much of his time was spent attending his children’s sporting and musical events, playing tennis, and tending to his gardens. His pride and joy was a family cottage purchased in 1977 where Bob and his family spent most of their summers fishing, swimming, and boating. The cottage afforded him an endless stream of projects which he thoroughly enjoyed. Bob never said no to any adventure or task, adored his family, always had a smile on his face, and never met a cookie he didn’t like! He also believed in giving back to the communities where he lived. He served on numerous boards of organizations including Planned Parenthood in Elmira and The Homestead (a senior living community) and Weller Library in Mohawk. He was active in the Episcopal church throughout his life in a variety of leadership and service roles. Bob will be remembered for the love and kindness he shared with his family and friends and all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be dearly missed. Memorial services are private. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bob’s memory may be made to Feed Our Vets, 502 Broad St., Utica, NY 13501. Condolences for the Wright family may be left at www.michaelebrownfuneralservices.com