Joseph “Joe” F. Wright

FORT ANN – Joseph “Joe” F. Wright, 78, of Fort Ann, passed away Monday, May 17, 2021 at Albany Medical Center, with his loving family by his side.

Born December 15, 1942 in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Reginald and Jennie (Gaulin) Wright.

On September 10, 1966 he married the love of his life, Wanda Louise Smith, at the United Methodist Church in Glens Falls.

Joe proudly served in the United States Navy.  He served six years of active duty, serving during the Vietnam War as an Aviation Jet Mechanic.  Joe obtained his GED while in the Navy and later was awarded an Honorary Diploma from Fort Ann Central School.  He also attended SUNY Adirondack, formerly Adirondack Community College.  While working for Kadant as a service technician, Joe enjoyed traveling the country, meeting many different people. 

Joe was a member of the United Methodist Church in West Fort Ann.   He was a past commander and current member of the Raymond W. Harvey Post 0703 American Legion.  Joe was active in volunteering in the West Fort Ann Fire Department for 17 years and a member of the Fort Ann Fire Volunteer Company in Fire Police.  He was a member of the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts for 35 years, Youth Little League for 21 years, and president of the Fort Ann Booster Club.  Joe was also a proud member of the Honor Guard at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Veterans Cemetery. He was awarded Washington County Senior of the Year in 2018 for his outstanding volunteer contributions.

Joe enjoyed spending time with his wife, Wanda, attending bluegrass festivals together, camping and fishing with her and their family.   He could always be found attending his grandchildren’s sporting events.

Besides his parents, Joe was predeceased by his beloved son and namesake, Joseph P. Wright; his brother, Reginald Wright and his granddaughter, Jenna Wright.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Wanda L. Wright of Fort Ann; his children, Michael Wright and his wife, Doreen of Hudson Falls, Kimberly Jones and her husband, Chris of Glens Falls, his daughter-in-law, Jody Wright of Hudson Falls, Bruce Wright and his wife, Heather of Fort Ann, Reginald Wright and his wife, Carrie of Fort Ann; his grandchildren, Johnathan, Lynette, Nathan, Rodman, Jazmine, William, Brendan, Cassidi, Brooke, Baylee, Sage and Brody; his step grandchildren, Casey, Brandon, Kimberly M. and Kenneth; his great grandchildren, Logan, Lillian, Trenton, Hunter, Cole, Ida, Auriella and Esher; his sister, Cynthia Mae Fleming and her husband, Denzel; his sister-in-law, Heneritta Palmer and Gordon of Queensbury, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

If Joe was here today, he would say he is thankful for the life he has lived, the family he has and the friends he gained along the way. I’m sure he is currently hugging his son he missed dearly, telling jokes and teaching everyone the lyrics to the “old black crow”.

Friends may call Sunday, May 23, 2021, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street, in Hudson Falls.

Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m., on Monday, May 24, 2021, at the funeral home.

Burial will follow the funeral service, 1:30 p.m., at Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd., in the town of Stillwater, with full military honors.

Memorial donations in memory of Joe may be made to the Fort Ann Youth League, P.O. Box 172, Fort Ann, New York 12827, the Fort Ann Rescue Squad, 11287 NY 149, Fort Ann, New York 12827, or Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675