Walter J. Wright, known to his family and friends as Bud, passed away at his home in Tequesta, Fla., on May 4, 2020, with his loving wife Joyce by his side. He was 89 years old.
Formerly of West Tisbury, Darien and New Canaan, Conn., and Port Washington, N.Y., Bud grew up in the Throgs Neck section of the Bronx, which gave him a lifelong love of being on the water. He was a graduate of the Bronx High School of Science.
His various careers included theatrical lighting on “Your Show of Shows,” real estate, restaurateur, commodities broker, and franchise creator. He instilled his entrepreneurial spirit in all of his children. He produced four boys with his former wife, Doris, in Port Washington, Long Island. He met Joyce, and they married in 1972, and moved to New Canaan, where they brought together two sets of kids.
As a gardener, woodworker, boatbuilder, lover of all animals — especially dogs — seaman, and traveler, Bud’s huge enthusiasm and pursuit of all interests kept him active his whole life. He involved his children in all his many activities, which made for fun and adventurous childhoods that they carry with them to this day.
As an avid sailor, he was a member of the New York Yacht Club, Noroton Yacht Club, and Manhasset Bay Yacht Club. His love of the water brought him to the Five Mile River in Darien, where he could go out on his beloved boat Rejoice on a daily basis. In retirement, he and Joyce settled on Martha’s Vineyard, which put them in the perfect place to enjoy their love of the water and agriculture, and make wonderful memories for their kids and grandchildren for 25 years.
Bud is survived by his wife Joyce (Burroughs) of 47 years; his sons David Wright (Kathe Fain) of Fort Bragg, Calif., Tom Wright of Monson, Doug Wright (Donna Noethig) of Jupiter, Fla., John Wright (Kristann Townsend) of Ridgefield, Conn., and stepson Chris Morrow of Carbondale, Colo., and stepdaughter Liz Morrow Reid (Larry) of Wilton, Conn.; 16 grand and step-grandchildren: Dylan, Joey, Stephen, Danny, Kyle, Kathryn, Jessica (Wurster), Michael, Kristine, Jack, Nick Wright, Max and Meaghan Morrow, Michael, Christopher and Katie Reid; and four great-grand and step-great grandchildren.
A memorial will occur at a future date.
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