Surrounded by and in the loving care of his family, Dick passed peacefully at home in Pine Hill on September 24, 2026, at the age of 81.
Born in Camden, NJ, to the late Richard A. Wright and Frances Heade Wright, Dick was raised in Gloucester City, where he was a proud graduate of Gloucester Catholic High School, Class of 1963.
Dick began his career in the fire service in 1970 as a volunteer with the Gloucester City Fire Department. Over the course of his 34 years of dedicated service in public safety, he rose to the rank of Battalion Chief before retiring in 2004. He went on to serve as Fire Chief of Pine Hill for 21 years. Dick also served as Fire Inspector for Pine Valley and Building Inspector for Pine Hill and Lindenwold, continuing his commitment to protecting and serving his community throughout his career.
Outside of his work, Dick enjoyed spending his summers down the shore. Some of his happiest moments were spent sitting on the dock of the bay at Schooner Island Marina in Wildwood, enjoying the water, the sunshine, and the simple pleasures of summer.
Dick is survived by the love of his life and wife of 60 years, Derene S. Wright (nee Franchi); children, Richard E. Wright, Jr. (Sharon) and Sandra Degradi (Nicola); grandchildren, Cameron Wright, Richard Wright, III and Emilia Degradi; brother, Robert Wright (Jane) and Anne Marie Matt McGogney (Jim); sister-in-law, Judy Franchi-Wynters (Pete) and brother-in-law, Rick Franchi.
In addition to his parents, Dick was predeceased by his brothers-in law, Bill Matt and Sam Franchi.
Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Wednesday, September 30th from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Our Lady of Hope Parish: St. Agnes Church, 701 Little Gloucester Rd., Blackwood. Mass of Christian Burial 1 PM in the church. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please remember Dick with a donation to the Parkinson’s Foundation, online at https://www.parkinson.org/ or by mail, 1350 Broadway, Ste 1530, New York, NY 10018. Please write in memo, Richard E. Wright.
Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of Richard E. Wright. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries through: McCANN–HEALEY FUNERAL HOME, Gloucester City Ph:856-456-1142