South Kingstown, RI – Raymond Anthony Wright, Jr., 78, of Peace Dale, passed away on June 6, 2012. Born in Wakefield, Rhode Island on August 13, 1933, he was the son of the late Raymond Anthony Wright, Sr. and Winifred Catherine (Kelleher) Wright. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Deanna (DiBiasio) Wright. He is also survived by his children Raymond Wright and his wife Rachel of Uxbridge, MA, Anne Wright Padula of West Greenwich, RI, Andrew Wright and his wife Jennifer of San Luis Obispo, CA and MaryLou Wright Gannotti and her husband Gregory of Quaker Hill, CT. He also leaves behind nine grandchildren whom he adored, Benjamin, Jackson and Wesley Wright, Alexandra and Anthony Padula, Samantha and Brooke Wright, and Jacob and Lucas Gannotti. Also surviving him is his sister, Ann Warwick, of Englewood, FL and many nieces and nephews. Ray attended and graduated from public schools in his hometown of South Kingstown, RI. He was also a graduate of the University of Rhode Island where he played baseball and basketball. Ray had a passion for sports and was a gifted athlete in his youth. He was a proud veteran, having served as a Specialist Third Class in the United States Army for two years and in the reserves for two years. After earning a degree in education, Ray had a 30-year career as a teacher at Westerly High School in Westerly, RI. He coached high school baseball for a decade in Westerly and also coached instructional league, little league, and Babe Ruth baseball in South Kingstown during the 1970's and 1980's. Ray was a life long Red Sox fan, and he passed his passion for the game onto his children and grandchildren. Ray and his wife Deanna also loved to dance and were often the first couple to take to the dance floor at various celebrations. Following his retirement from teaching, Ray and his wife Deanna were able to embark on many travels together, including some memorable trips to Italy. He enjoyed walking the seawall in Narragansett, RI and going for long bike rides on the South County bike path. Ray was a devoted member of Christ the King Parish in Kingston, RI. His faith and his family were his top priorities. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Monday, June 11, at Christ the King Parish in Kingston, with interment at St. Francis Cemetery in Peace Dale. In lieu of flowers, gifts in memoriam may be made to Home and Hospice Care of Rhode Island, South Office, 143 Main Street, Wakefield, RI 02879. For guest book and condolences, averystortifuneralhome.com, or legacy.com.
Submitted to Patch by MaryLou Gannotti.
