Robert G. “Bob” Wright, 90, a lifelong and well-known resident of Smyrna, achieved his final wish of peacefully joining his wife on Monday, January 1, 2024, while in the comfort of his son and daughter-in-law’s home in Smyrna.
Bob was born in North Norwich on March 7, 1933, to Clarence G. “Slim” and Mattie (Bowers) Wright Sr. He attended school in Smyrna and graduated from Sherburne Central School where he played basketball and was a proud participant of the 1st Sherburne Pageant of Bands. On February 6, 1954, he married Constance “Connie” Coye. Together they raised five children while operating their dairy, Wright-Way Farms and grocery store, Wright-Way Discounts in Smyrna.
Never one to remain idle, after his retirement from the farm he busied himself by obtaining his CDL and began his second career by hauling bulk milk from Cincinnatus to NYC until he found his niche by becoming a school bus driver for Sherburne-Earlville Schools. He especially enjoyed driving the activities bus to different sporting events.
When he retired for the second time, he and Connie purchased their retirement home “The Cat House”, a vacant eyesore in Smyrna, and began the task of gutting it to the frame and rebuilding it back per Connie’s specifications. Connie was extremely proud of his talents and enjoyed her handcrafted home. Her touch on the home was so important to him that even after her passing he insisted that everything in the house remain as she had wanted it up until his dying days.
Bob was a 72-year member of the Smyrna Fire Department. He served and held offices on the Chenango County Firefighters Association, the Fire Union, the Sherburne-Earlville School Board of Education and the Union for School Bus Drivers. He was a member of the Smyrna Community Band and was long-time member of the Smyrna United Methodist Church. His final service was as Mayor of the Village of Smyrna.
Bob was a life-time sports enthusiast and yes, a Yankees and SU fan. He played, coached, encouraged and followed all types of athletic events. He was happiest when he was kept busy. He enjoyed doing tasks at Jon and Pam’s place and took pride in overseeing their vegetable garden (despite the fact that he disliked most of its contents but was the first to complain if anything went to waste). He enjoyed helping Blanchards Farms, going to the Smyrna Feed Store, clearing timber in the forest for Scott, moving snow, tending to livestock at the Kurtz Ranch and his weekly visit with Dorothy and Chas. He enjoyed traveling to visit far-away family members but was ready to return home when he was out of projects.
He is survived by his children, Robert (Deb) Wright of Herkimer, Phil (Linda) Wright of Casa Grande, AZ, Mark (Dr. Delia) Wright of Rainbow, TX, Jo Anne (Randy) Hitz of York, NE and Jon (Pam) Wright of Smyrna; grandchildren, Jillian Wright, Ashley (Josue) Tello, Sarah (Ashtin) Preston, Guy Wright, Ross (Stephanie) Hitz, Alex (Hunter) Adkins, Reed (Rachel) Hitz, Marti (Collin) Schrader, Tyler (Katelin) Wright, Brooke (Jesse) Quinn and Kristen Wright; great-grandchildren, Anthony, Irene, Finn, Ryder, Logan, Rosie, Rigley, Larsen, Sophia, Jase, Cooper and Nora. He is also survived by his siblings, Dorothy Alderman, Charles “Chas” Wright, Barbara (Wayne) Campbell and Richard (Sue) Wright; sisters-in-law Carolee Coye and Barb Wright along with many special nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife Connie (January 2021), siblings Mildred (Jesse) Tredway and Clarence “Stinky” Wright Jr. and brother-in-law Rupert Alderman.
Per Bob’s request, there will be no calling hours or services.
Private inurnment to be held in the Sherburne West Hill Cemetery.
A special thank you to Bob’s neighbors Scott Dodge, Pam Green and Brent Dodge for the meals and oversight of Bob as he remained in his home and to daughter-in-law Pam for opening her home and providing exceptional care during Bob’s final days.
Please consider memorial contributions to Sherburne West Hill Cemetery, PO Box 523, Sherburne, NY 13460 or to the Hospice & Palliative Care of Chenango County, 33-39 Court St, Norwich, NY 13815
Arrangements are with the R. J. Fahy Funeral Home.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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