Donald Wright Obituary

Donald Claire Wright

Dec 27, 1944 - May 20, 2024

Marblehead

Donald Claire Wright (Don) passed away Monday, May 20, 2024. Don was born Dec. 27, 1944, in Meadville, Pennsylvania to Arden and Helen Wright.

He served in the U.S. Army, including spending part of his enlisted time in Alaska, where he learned to weld and worked on the Alaskan pipeline. After his time in the Army, he moved to Los Angeles, where he met and married his wife, Colleen. In Los Angeles, he worked for Shelby-American and helped build the Shelby GT40, which would eventually race and win at Le Mans.

He moved to Cleveland to start a family, and co-founded Pierce-Wright Precision, a welding and fabricating company.

While driven professionally, he devoted most of his energy to being a loving husband and devoted father to his three children. He loved taking the family on camping trips, bike rides, and always made holidays extra special. Don was a man who believed in hard work, individuality, honesty, and direct communication.

A diehard democrat, Don was a huge proponent of women's rights. He flew the flag every day and lowered it before sunset every evening. He had a giving and generous spirit, a sharp wit, and an edgy sense of humor that will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

His surviving family includes his wife of 57 years, Colleen Wright (nee Dark); daughter Kelly Wright; son Christopher Wright and his wife Mary Wright (nee Hollis); and daughter Carrie Wright (partner Matt Henderlich). Don is also survived by a sister, Lois Rey; a brother, Robert Wright; and his two beloved granddaughters, Avery Wright (Chris and Mary) and Jane Wright (Carrie).

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity in Don's memory.