Obituary of John G. Wright

Jack was born in Geneva NY on January 24, 1940, to the late George H. and Lucille A. (Winton) Wright. Among the many adventures of his youth, he was proud to serve on the altar of St Peter's church in Geneva, was a member of the Order of Demolay, and volunteered for the citizens air patrol, manning the lookout platform atop city hall watching for foreign aircraft. When his father opened his business in 1947, Jack was by his side, standing on a crate near the workbench to assist his father. He graduated from Geneva High School in 1957, and soon settled in to the family business full time. Jack had an uncanny natural understanding of mechanical devices, as well as a strong aversion to declaring something beyond repair. He soon developed a reputation of being able to repair things that many others couldn't. His general knowledge was expansive, and his name, "Jack" was fitting as he truly was a jack of all trades…and had mastered a few. Jack joined the Hydrant Hose Co. No. 1, Inc. in 1958, and would go on to serve in many capacities, including bunker, vice president, president, director, and chaplain. He enjoyed spending time at the firehouse and would regularly pitch in where he could, whether it was fire calls, work details, or fundraisers. He was the de-facto "head pizza chef" for the Saturday bingo games for many years. In 1962, he was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason by his father in Geneva Lodge 965, F&AM. He would eventually progress through the chairs of the lodge, attaining the Master's chair in 1991. He then took offices representing the Ontario-Seneca-Yates district in 1992, and again in 1994. His Masonic travels took him far and wide across the state, and he was always grateful for the many friendships and memories he was afforded through masonry. He was also associated with several concordant Masonic bodies, including Chapter, Commandry, Eastern Star, and Damascus Shrine. He was instrumental in securing a meeting place for the lodge in the early 90's, a temple the lodge would occupy until just this year. In 1965, he married the love of his life (Sara) Janet Dolley. Every great romance has a starting point, and theirs started the year prior when Janet asked her neighbor (Jack) if he could help her with a septic tank problem at her cottage. He won her heart by digging up her yard in the rain. That auspicious (but fertile) beginning sewed a devoted marriage that would endure 57 years and 4 days until his death. At the time of his death, Jack was survived by his loving wife, Janet, sons John Jr (Linda) and Jeffrey (Debra), grandchildren Nicole (Ronald) Eveland, Sara Wright, Sean Wright, Melissa Wright, and Jackson Wright, sister, Nancy Locke, and several cousins, nieces and nephews. There will be no prior calling hours. A Masonic memorial service will be held Saturday, November 5 at 1:30PM at St Peter's Church, followed by Geneva Fire Department services at 1:45, and funeral services at 2:00PM. A celebration of life will follow. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hydrant Hose Co. No. 1, Inc., 79 Geneva Street, Geneva, NY 14456 or to a hospice service of your choice.