Charles "Chuck" T. Wright

Chuck is survived by his adoring wife of nearly 66 years, Elaine, his two sons, Erik and Christopher, grandchildren Evan Wright, Olivia Wright, Colin Wright, Sophie Wright, and Celia Wright, and brother Michael Wright.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Chuck graduated from Manual Training High School. He was drafted into the Army during the Korean War and was hand-picked to serve as an Airborne Instructor at Ft. Benning, Georgia. Following his transition from active military service to the reserves in 1953, Chuck began working at Chase Manhattan Bank in New York, as a Loan specialist, and then at JP Morgan.

While at Chase Bank, Chuck began courting a co-worker, Elaine Heide, from Staten Island. Chuck married Elaine in 1959 and moved to Staten Island. Shortly thereafter, Chuck left JP Morgan in order to attend Pratt Institute as a full-time student, ultimately graduating with honors and earning a degree in Chemical Engineering. During his engineering career, Chuck worked for the Esso Corporation, which became Exxon-Mobil, and then at Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI), both in Bayonne, NJ. Chuck went on to spend many years working for several components of Johnson & Johnson in central NJ, retiring from J & J in 1993. He was also a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

Chuck and Elaine settled in the Randall Manor area of West Brighton and chose that location to raise their family and build their modest version of the American Dream. Working full time, maintaining his home, and caring for his family kept him quite busy. Chuck also became an active member of the Sacred Heart Parish Youth Activities Council while his sons were in elementary school.

One of Chuck’s favorite activities was vacationing at the Jersey Shore for a few weeks in the summer, enjoying the salt air, beach views and a little crabbing. He was exceptionally handy, and neighbors were accustomed to seeing him working in the yard, fixing something, or being up on a ladder maintaining his house every weekend. Chuck was also a fan of both the New York Yankees and New York Giants, especially if they were playing well.

Later in life, Chuck loved traveling with his wife to see new places. He also loved a good game of SCRABBLE, a game at which he rarely lost. He cherished visits with his children and grandchildren, and while always proud of his sons, Erik and Chris, their respective spouses, Karen and Lisa, delighted him and became his precious daughters. But most of all, Chuck loved his wife Elaine, and he was truly happiest simply being at home with her.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Chuck’s memory.