| Date of Birth | December 21, 1931 |
| Date Deceased | March 15, 2023 |
| Hometown | Avoca |
| Home State | N.Y. |
| Service Date | April 30, 2023 |
| Service Time | 2:00 p.m. |
| Service Location | Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home, Avoca |
| Interment Location | Bath National Cemetery |
ROGER I. “PAT” WRIGHT
AVOCA – Roger I. “Pat” Wright, 91 of Avoca, passed away on Wednesday (March 15, 2023). He was born in Hammondsport on December 21, 1931, to the late Vida (Cunningham) and George Wright of Bath. Pat was raised by his mother and grandfather, Perry Wright. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War while stationed in Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1954.
He worked for the A&P Tea Co. in Bath and Hornell as well as Phillips Lighting in Bath until his retirement. He was married to his wife Donna for 64 years. They lived in Avoca for 63 years and raised four children at their home on Maple Ave.
Pat is survived by his wife Donna; children: Michael (Michele) Wright of Campbell, Kelly Wright Cullen (Greg Dziendziel) of Syracuse, Nancy (Randy) Williams of San Antonio, TX, and Jeffrey (Beth) Wright of Middle River, MD. Grandchildren: Collin (Erika) Wright, Camden (Kassie) Wright, Corinne Wright, Megan Cullen, Sean Cullen, Taryn Cullen, Brian (Molly) Williams, Jennifer (Alec) Stephenson, Zachary Williams, Gillian Wright and Connor Wright along with 8 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was preceded by his brother Warren (Patricia) Wright, sisters Betty (Merle) MacDougal, and Elva Jean (Richard) Dickinson.
Pat’s great loves were his family and watching his children and grandchildren’s sporting and school events. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed following local high school teams and the UConn Women’s basketball team. He was not a big traveler, as he loved his home on Maple Avenue, but greatly enjoyed the yearly vacations at Keuka Lake with his family, in addition to the special trip with Donna and his children to a cabin in the Poconos to celebrate his 90th birthday (and his winnings at the horse track that weekend).
He was an avid tennis player and could often be seen playing at courts around the area well into his late 80’s. He greatly enjoyed the friendship and camaraderie of all those he played with, including members of the Avoca Central School tennis team whom he volunteered to help with after his retirement. Pat was proud of being selected to carry the Olympic Torch as part of the Olympic Torch Relay across America on June 12, 1996. He was an exceptional billiards player and spent countless hours with his best friend Don MacDougal at local pool establishments.
Often spent mornings at Crosby’s where he had coffee and enjoyed playing the scratch off tickets with his friend Walt Matthews. He was a huge chocolate lover, and it was actually the last word he spoke while at the hospital when asked if he needed anything.
Pat was a regular blood donor until the age of 81, donating over 19 gallons of blood during his life. Friends are encouraged to donate blood in his memory at a local blood drive.
Relatives and friends are invited to join his family at the Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home, 22 N. Main St., Avoca, on Sunday, April 30, 2023, form 12-2 p.m. for calling hours, with a funeral ceremony to immediately follow.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to either the Avoca Ambulance Corp., PO Box 447, Avoca, NY 14809 or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
The Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home are honored to assist Pat’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Pat are welcome in the comment section below or the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.
Although it has been many years since we’ve seen Pat, we well remember him from his visits/connections to Hammondsport where we lived. I know he will certainly be missed by his large & extended family. Our sincere condolences to Donna and the rest of the family.
Our sincere condolences to Donna and family.
I made some comments on Facebook but I know a lot of people will be unable to read them so I wanted to share my thoughts about Pat in this format.
During the late 40’s and early 50’s, the youth in Hammondsport spent a lot of time in Bath where they had the Milk Bar, bowling alley and a skating rink, none of which were present in Hammondsport. A big plus were the tennis courts at the then, high school and it is there that I learned how to play the game from Pat Wright. A favorite joke for years after was when I said, “remember when I beat you in a tennis match?” His stock answer was, “you never beat me in a tennis match.” We each enjoyed that line of kidding for over 70 years.
We spent hours playing basketball over the fire station in Bath. And yes, Hammondsport generally beat them but Pat was a great guard and a strong defender. He had a great sense of humor and wit. But he was always kind in his remarks, not cutting or cruel. A gentle, sincere guy and when you talked to him, the conversation was about you and your family, and not about him or his accomplishments.
I am so happy that last summer when the Historical Society honored the 50th anniversary of the Avoca basketball championship, I was in town for and could attend the event as Pat was one of the honorees. He was ill and could not attend but Mike agreed to call me when he got home to see if Pat was up for a visit. He was, and I was so pleased to see him, and Donna again and to spend a couple hours talking about the old day.s
You often hear people say about a deceased person, he was a “good guy.” Pat was the best of the “good guys”. RIP, Pat for a life well lived. I love you.
Bob Niver
One of your buddies from Hammondsport
My most sincere condolences to Donna, family and friends. I had the pleasure of working with Pat way back when A&P was still open in Bath and Hornell. He was one of the nicest people I ever knew. RIP my friend and take care Donna💕💕💕