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Donald Wright Obituary
September 17, 1948 - July 13, 2021
Roseville, California - Donald Richard Wright Jr. (Don Wright) born Sep. 17, 1948, in Sacramento, CA peacefully passed on July 13, 2021 at his home in Roseville, CA. A fixture in Northern California radio and a graduate of El Camino High School, Don was well known having worked on the air and as Program Director of Earth Radio 102 - KSFM, Woodland/Sacramento and KSJO, San Jose. Throughout his 50 plus year career, he also had successful stints at KXOA, KNDE, KZAP, KGNR, KFBK, KROY and KQPT The Point, as well as being an early pioneer of Sacramento State College's Radio station KERS. Additionally, Don was the morning Air Personality at CBS's KNX-FM in Los Angeles, CA, and worked on air at KCBS-FM in San Francisco. He also served as Program Director of WNUW in Milwaukee, WI. Throughout his career, Don was responsible for giving many beginners their first start in broadcasting.
Don was the original Producer of Rush Limbaugh's highly rated radio show and did considerable production work for the Roy Rogers Family. In the 1980's, he hosted the successful syndicated program "Rockin' America" which aired all over Japan and as a result he toured the country a number of times as "Rockin' Don Jackson."
An accomplished musician, Don was the founding member of the Bay Area group Nuclear Valdez. An avid collector and accomplished cartoonist, he was well known for his love of cars, musical instruments, pinball, slot and gaming machines. He was also co-founder of the "Pinathon/Pin A Go Go" pinball collectors show, the first major pinball show on the West Coast.
Don was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Ward Wright and his father, Donald Wright Sr. He is survived by his son, Donald (Dusty) Wright III, his mother, JoBelle Schrillo, his brother, Ronald Wright (Elena), and his loving companion, Linda Melendez.
The family requests that donations in Don's memory be made to the charity of your choice. A celebration of life is planned for a future date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Wright
2 Entries
Helen Meline
August 8, 2021
Condolences to Don's family and close friends. He was just a wonderful guy. Most talented broadcaster and so very saddened at his passing. Worked with Don at various stations. Don was a humble star, thoughtful friend, loving partner and father.
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Michael and Denise Sheehy
August 5, 2021
We loved you like a Brother, Don, for over 50 years. We're so glad we were able to be with you so much during your last month on earth and to be supportive until your last breath. Our sincere condolences to your Mom, Jo Belle, who was also with you nearly every day, to your Son, Dusty, who helped care for you at home, your Companion, Linda who loved you unconditionally, and your Brother, Ronald, who you knew longer than most anyone. If there are wispy pinball and slot machines in the Universe where your spirit now resides we know you have found them. Thanks for being a wonderful Friend. May you rest in peace.
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Blue Oaks Cremation & Burial Services300 Harding Boulevard Suite 201, Roseville, CA 95678
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