William Wright

William Wright, 83, husband of the late Tekla (Silakawski) Wright of 136 Grassy Plain Street, Bethel, died peacefully at his home on January 5.

He was the father of Anne Hugyo of Newtown.

Mr Wright was born August 20, 1917, in Brooklyn, N.Y., a son of the late Matthew and Anna Marie (Freytag) Wright. He was raised in Ridgefield along with his sisters, the late Irene Mannion and the late Martha Shail and his brother, the late George Wright, Sr.

In 1934, at the age of 17, William joined the US Merchant Marine, where he spent the next 25 years of his life. His first assignment was aboard the US Morro Castle, which caught fire and went down off the coast of New Jersey, where he helped to save many of the survivors. Being of strong will and mind, this did not keep him from making the US Merchant Marine his life. He was part of the transport of 10,000 service men to the invasion of Casablanca in 1942. He aided and saved lives of many throughout his service during World War II.

This continued service with the US Merchant Marine enabled him to travel the world until he retired as a lieutenant commander. After his retirement, Mr Wright worked for the Federal Correctional Institute for 15 years before retiring again in 1982.

His last venture at sea was in 1992 as a civilian, when he helped a good friend sail a yacht from Newport, R.I., to Antigua, British West Indies.

Mr Wright was a 50-year Master Mason with Eureka Lodge 83, Bethel. He always had an interesting tale to tell from his many travels, whether it be from a historical moment, a tragic event, or an enjoyable adventure; one always left with a feeling of learning something new, a good laugh, a smile, or a thought on what an amazing character William Wright was.

Mr Wright settled in Bethel over 50 years ago where, along with his wife, they raised their children.  In addition to his daughter, eight other children survive him: William Wright of Chapel Hill, N.C., Ellen Bigelow of West Redding, James Wright of Fairfield, Calif., Barbara Wright of Salt Lake City, Utah, Phyllis Beardsley, Madeline Burke and Bryan Wright, all of Bethel. Also surviving are eight grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held in the Bethel Funeral Home, 215 Greenwood Avenue, Bethel. Burial was in Elmwood Cemetery, Bethel.

Memorials may be made to the Bethel Visiting Nurse Association, Terminally Ill Fund, One School Street, Bethel, CT 06801, or the Masonic Charity Foundation, PO Box 70, Wallingford, CT 06492.

The Newtown Bee         January 12, 2001