JOHN J. WRIGHT

John J. Wright, 82, a businessman, engineer and inventor, who held more than six U.S. patents, died December 18 at Greenwich Hospital from complications of diabetes. Mr. Wright was the founder and president of Marine & Industrial Hydraulics, Inc. ("MIH") located in Mamaroneck, NY. The manufacturing company specializes in the design and assembly of hydraulic actuators with applications in maritime, aeronautics and energy industries. He developed several innovative models of waterproof hydraulic actuators that are installed in water treatment plants in North America. Mr. Wright traveled throughout the world pursuing business opportunities; he was overseeing the installation of actuators on the Petrobras P-36, the world's largest off-shore oil drilling platform off the coast of Brazil in March 2001 when an explosion occurred in another area aboard the vessel that killed numerous workers and ultimately sank the rig. He was evacuated by helicopter from the disaster. John Joseph Wright was born February 5, 1926 in Brooklyn, NY to the late Catherine and Walter Wright. He graduated from the New York State Maritime Academy at Fort Schuyler in 1946 and served in the US Merchant Marine. He rose from ensign to the rank of lieutenant j.g. and was honorably discharged. He worked as an engineer for Rockwell Manufacturing Co. before founding MIH. He moved the company to Mamaroneck, NY in the early 1980's and continued to work there until his death. Mr. Wright was a Rye resident for more than 37 years and most recently resided in Sterling Park. He was a parishioner at the R.C. Church of the Resurrection and a member of the Coveleigh Club in Rye. Mr.Wright was an avid ruffed grouse hunter, sailor, gardener and opera buff. He was devoted to his family and enjoyed the Christmas season immensely, meticulously decorating an enormous tree each year. He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Kathleen, his five children, John J. Wright, M.D.(Catherine) of Falls Church, VA, Stephen X. Wright, Esq. (Brooks) of Rye, NY, Douglas G. Wright, M.D. (Monica) of Havre de Grace, MD, Cathleen Depuy (James) of Ridgefield, CT, and Deirdre K.Wright of New York City and 12 grandchildren. He was loved greatly by his family and he will be truly missed. Family will receive friends at Graham Funeral Home on Sunday, December 21 from 1- 3 PM and 5 "" 7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at Church of the Resurrection, 910 Boston Post Road, Rye at 11 AM on Monday, December 22. Memorial Contributions may be made to The Osborn Rehabilitation Center, The Osborn/c/o Susan Olson, 103 Theall Road, Rye, NY, 10580 or to St. Francis Preparatory School, 6100 Francis Lewis Blvd., Fresh Meadows, NY 11365. GRAHAM FUNERAL HOME 1036 Boston Post Road Rye, NY 10580 (914) 967-0129