John Charles Wright

Published 1:36 pm Tuesday, October 16, 2018

John (Jack) Charles Wright passed away peacefully on Friday, October 5, 2018, surrounded by his loving family. He was 88.

Born on March 10, 1930 and raised in Manhasset, NY, he was the youngest son of Arthur H. and Dorothy Newbold Wright.

Jack attended Manhasset High School where he lettered in lacrosse and football and played for the Orangemen Freshmen Lacrosse team at Syracuse University.

Following service in the US Air Force during the Korean War, he settled into the family business, Wright Hardware, a fixture on Manhasset’s Plandome Road. Wright Hardware, known as “Long Island’s finest hardware store,” was founded by Jack’s father and grandfather in 1922.

Jack married Jacquelyn White in 1953 and enjoyed a loving marriage, celebrating their 65th anniversary this year. He first spotted her driving her parent’s brand new 1951 blue Oldsmobile 98 convertible – it was love at first sight.

In 1994, Jack and Jackie retired to Campobello, SC where they made many new friends and immersed themselves in volunteerism.  Jack’s charitable work included Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, Tryon Fine Arts Center and Hospice of the Carolina Foothills Thrift Store.

He was an avid gardener, a master cabinet maker and builder of cedar strip canoes, one for each of his three children. Other interests included travel, participating in a drum and fife corps, organized by his father during World War II, and of course watching his second love, the New York football Giants, on Sundays.

He is survived by his wife Jacquelyn of Tryon Estates, Columbus NC, children Ellen of Jeffersonville VT, James of Stockton NJ, William of Littleton CO,  grandchildren Christopher, William, Alexandra, James and Torrey, brother Arthur (Ward) H. Wright, Jr. of Manhasset, NY, and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Robert N. Wright.

He will be missed by all.

A private family service will be held.

Online condolences may be sent to www.pettyfuneralhome.com

Petty Funeral Home and Crematory, Landrum