Eric R. Wright
February 20, 1969 ~ July 24, 2021
Born in:
Los Angeles, CA
Resided in:
Greece , NY
Greece: Eric’s earthly journey ended on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at age 52. He is survived by his loving parents, Michael and Yolanda Wright; brother, Michael (Michelle) Wright; niece, Lindsey Wright; nephew, John Wright; beloved dogs, Riley and Saoirse; several cousins; and numerous dear friends.
Born in Los Angeles CA and raised in North Collins NY, Eric was a graduate of St. Frances of Assisi High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at Fredonia State University. Eric retired as the Director of Human Resources for the Hilton Central School District and previously served as the Jamestown City School District Human Resources Director. Eric was passionate about Racquetball and was an accomplished player who also enjoyed coaching at RIT, instructing at LA Fitness and representing the Rochester Area E-force team. Eric was born with Cystic Fibrosis and as a result underwent a double-lung transplant in November 2006. Eric regularly competed at the Transplant Olympic Games winning gold in Racquetball each of the years he competed. Eric was generous with his time serving as a spokesperson for the Finger Lakes Organ Donor Recovery Network, as Chairman of the Roses of Hope Gala and also mentoring other transplant recipients. Eric will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Eric’s visitation will be held Saturday, July 31, 2021 11 AM -2 PM at Vay-Schleich & Meeson 1075 Long Pond Road where his prayer service will be held at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation www.cff.org/give in his memory. For more information and to sign his online guestbook, visit www.meesonfamily.com
Services
Visitation: July 31, 2021 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Vay-Schleich & Meeson - Greece Chapel
1075 Long Pond Road
Rochester, NY 14626
Service: July 31, 2021 2:00 pm
Vay-Schleich & Meeson - Greece Chapel
1075 Long Pond Road
Rochester, NY 14626
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Eric R. Wright 's name.
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So sorry to here of Eric passing away. Played racquet ball with
him at Penfield Fitness Club. R.I.P my friend
Eric was a great guy who had a difficult journey but survived through it all for 52 years when many thought he could not. We loved him deeply and will miss the good times.
When I think of Eric, I think of his great spirit! I smile remembering how when telling a joke, or saying something even slightly funny, Eric would crack himself up even more than he would make his friend laugh. Eric’s loud laughter and charismatic personality always filled the room. What an example Eric was to all on how to live life to the fullest. Rest in peace Eric! I have a feeling that the laughter in heaven will be louder and happier than ever before.
Some years ago Eric’s dad (one of my first cousins) told me about Eric’s challenges and accomplishments. More recently I connected with Eric via Facebook and a phone call. I’m glad I got to know him better, and that I could follow part of his journey. He inspired me with his courage, warmth, positive attitude, and enjoyment of life, by his dedication to physical fitness, and by his help to others. The world became a better place because of him. I will miss his posts. My wife Linda and I send our condolences and love to Eric’s family and many friends.
Eric and I were friends during college, but we became even closer after college when we realized we lived near each other. Eric was often a comedian and he would love to impersonate others. He loved Halloween, because he loved getting into a character. One of the best parties was at his apartment where he had decorations galore and even some dry ice.
I will always remember how grateful Eric was to have this life and to make the most of it. I got vaccinated along with my sister so we could visit Eric. I guess God had others plans for him because we weren’t able to see him in time. Like the song goes, “…Only the good die young.” Eric had a heart of gold and would do anything for friends. I’ll never forget when I told him my father died several years ago. We hadn’t talked in at least 10 years and he told me he was coming. That touched me greatly. I just want you all to know that I will miss my buddy. Even though we were separated by miles, friends like him are ones to keep.
I know someday I will see Eric again and as the Irish blessing goes, I hope until then, “God will hold him in the palm of His hand.”
In adulthood, I moved to GA and we had lost touch. When my father died several years ago, I called him a bit tearful so he wouldn’t see the news on Facebook. He immediately said, “I’m coming!” I didn’t even expect that. We probably hadn’t spoken in about 10 years at least. That touched me so much, but you always know when you have a good friend like that. You pick up right where you left off. It was that way with him.
When I was going through a difficult time in my life and Eric was asking if I was struggling, I was a bit evasive. Eric just said, “Brenda, it’s me, Eric, you can tell me.” I felt a tremendous weight lifted off me because it was Eric and I COULD say whatever I wanted. He wouldn’t ever judge me.
Eric was very grateful for this life he has been given and he didn’t take that for granted especially after his transplant. I really didn’t realize he was sick until shortly before that. I sometimes wish he would’ve said something, but honestly until he started having problems I don’t think HE even realized (or would admit to) how bad he could get.
My sister and I were planning a trip to see Eric in late August or mid-Sept. Neither one of us got vaccinated, but I said we could not take the chance of infecting him. We were not due for our second shot until August 3rd. I guess God had other plans for Eric. I do believe there is something to the song, “Only the good die young.” Eric was not perfect, but he would do anything for his friends.
I do believe I will see Eric, as we all will someday again, but until then as the Irish blessing goes, I hope “God will hold [Eric] in the palm of His hands.” I am going to miss you, buddy. RIP, my friend.
Sorry I posted a similar comment, I didn’t think my first comment posted.
So saddened to hear about Eric’s passing. We were suite mates our freshman year at Fredonia. We remained friends throughout college but then lost touch afterwards. I wasn’t surprised at all reading about his life and passions. He was a great guy and so funny. RIP Eric.
I remember the day like it was yesterday……the first time I met Eric. I was baking cooking in the kitchen and my husband was in the family room reading the newspaper. Before my daughter even had the chance to introduce us he says “well, what have we here….Mr and Mrs Cleaver, Mom’s baking cookies and Dad’s reading the paper”. Without missing a beat I replied “so, Brenda I see you have brought “Wally” to our home. Meeting someone for the first time with this unabashed charismatic humor….needless to say it was a friendship that clicked. I fell in love with this young mans humor. As life would have it we all eventually went our separate ways, but we never lost touch. Through the years we followed one another’s journeys. It was heartbreaking to have Eric face so many medical challenges. Yet he never lost the will to go on. Now that he has passed and I continue reading post, I see that he has touched many lives. That his humor and charismatic personality he instilled in others has left a hole in our hearts. He was unique, one of a kind, extremely special, one of those rare kinds of friends that you knew you could call upon. When my husband “Mr. Cleaver” passed, without any hesitation he was on the next flight. He was the kind of man that it was an honor to be a part of his life.
So God you got him now, and trust me there is no filter with his humor, he will have those angels rockin and rollin with his humor. When it rains I’ll know it’s because he’s got everyone in Heaven laughing. I’m going to miss you my friend.
I first met Eric a number of years ago when he ran the RIT tournament. He did a great job of keeping track of the older players, myself included. Since then he did a great job of running the LA fitness leagues even though sometimes you could tell he wasn’t feeling the best. My/the world will forever be a lonelier place without Eric.
I met Eric in college and he became one of my closest friends. We had some amazingly fun times and he was always the life of the party.
Behind the scenes I knew what Eric was dealing with. From him I learned about empathy and how to keep going when faced with overwhelming challenges. I still don’t know how he kept fighting through it all. I’m grateful that I got to know him, he was truly inspirational and he’ll be deeply missed.
I apologize for making a second post, but I just wanted to say how strongly touched I am by the comments from Eric’s many friends. Thanks to all of you for posting them. Clearly Eric impacted you in a wonderful and positive way.
As a genealogy researcher I’ve read many obituary guestbooks over the years. Hands down, Eric’s guestbook has the most posts, with the most personal and loving comments. Those posts are testimonies to Eric’s greatness as a person. I particularly enjoyed reading the posts by Brenda LaManque, and the post by Brenda’s mother Sheila LaManque, in which Sheila related the “Cleaver family” event of many years ago. (Born in 1948, I remember the Leave It to Beaver show.) I’m only now beginning to appreciate Eric’s sense of humor.
Over the years I met Eric’s dad (my first cousin) Mike R. Wright in person multiple times (one time with my wife Linda), and some years ago Linda and I had the pleasure of meeting Eric’s brother Mike L., Mike L.’s wife Michelle, and Mike L.’s and Michelle’s children Lindsey and John in person (when Mike R. visited in NC). Unfortunately I never got to meet Eric in person. I’m most grateful that I did get to know him via both Facebook and one or two phone calls.
Mike R.’s mother (Mary Sheedy Wright) was a sister to my mother (Rosemary Sheedy Aikin). If some day I was to write a book abut my extended family, one of the chapters would be devoted to Eric. His positive attitude and 52 years of successes in the face of his many medical challenges will always be a shining light to me.
You are definitely one of a kind. Miss and think about you all the time. Forever grateful for all the time we spent together, thanks for the memories! Love you brother!
Don’t be fooled my friend. You are dearly missed and loved. We certainly shared some of the most unique and fun life experiences. We had a great run and you are truly one of a kind. Love and miss you always!!