John C. Wright

After he enjoyed a long, fulfilling, happy life spanning close to 92 years, we mourn the passing of John (Ian) Clements Wright of Trumbull, CT, loving husband of Beverly for over sixty-eight years, and a role model for every father, colleague and friend. He is survived by his daughters Lynn Bryant (James) and Caroline Feeney (James), his son Scott Wright (Nisa), eight grandchildren and his great grandson.

Born in Welland, Ontario in 1934, John graduated from Alfred University in 1956 with a degree in Ceramic Engineering, and eventually immigrated to the USA in 1967, first residing in Cherry Hill, New Jersey before settling in Orchard Park, New York, where he and Beverly would remain for close to five decades.

From their first date until present day, Beverly was the love of his life. The Welland High football team captain and the cheerleader from Stop 19 were a perfect match, inseparable, a couple who were synonymous with the term ‘happily married.’ In love for all eternity, only complete when together, impossible to think of one without thinking of the other.

John had a long and successful career in the steel industry, starting as a shop foreman and eventually reaching the positions of President for Buffalo Structural Steel, and co-founder of BMW, an industrial cleaning company based in American Fork, Utah. He ended his working days an owner of Interstate Steel Sales, a boutique firm he co-founded in Orchard Park, New York. He was a mentor to so many, leading colleagues through good times and challenges with honesty, dedication and kindness.

A proud Buffalonian, he was a season ticket holder for the Bills, Sabres and Buffalo Philharmonic. A patron of the arts, he cherished their annual trips with friends to take in live theatre at Stratford, Ontario and the Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Relocating to Fairfield, CT twelve years ago to be closer to family, he enjoyed watching college hockey in New Haven, and making numerous excursions to New York City to watch Columbia football or the latest Broadway show, and the US Open. Closer to home, he and Beverly were regulars at the Westport Country Playhouse. Equally comfortable hiking in Vermont, or attending his grandchildren’s school events, he relished graduation ceremonies, birthdays and holiday gatherings. The occasion was secondary to being part of the gathering.

John shared his passion for sports, the arts and a robust sense of humor with all he came into contact. He was a man who enjoyed reading, playing tennis and golf, and listening to the homespun wisdom of Willie Nelson. Whether for work or pleasure, he traveled around the world and through most of the USA, but ultimately he will always be known as a consummate family man, happiest spending time with his children’s families and Beverly.

He was home, and resting comfortably when the end came on Tuesday, March 3, surrounded by his children and visited by all of his grandchildren who were in the country and great grandson. A peaceful end to a meaningful life.