Obituary: Earl Ward Wright II

Earl Ward Wright II, 58, of Warren, Rhode Island, formerly of Grand Island, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023, at Rhode Island Hospital.

Earl was known by many names: “The Rad Lad,” “Earl the Pearl,” “MacGyver,” “Fireball,” Dad, Pop Pops and "My Love" from the woman he shared his life with: Jude Wright.

Born on Grand Island, New York, he was the son of the late Robert E. and the late Shirley (Meyer) Wright Sr. In addition to his wife, Jude, he is survived by his children: Zack Earl Wright, Jacob Earl Wright, Sara Cobb, John Cobb (Rose) and Amy Donelan (John). Earl was the youngest of six siblings: the late Linda Wright; his big brother and hero Robert E. Wright Jr., and his wife, Julieann; James A. Wright and his partner, Shelly; Sandra G. Edwards and her husband, Thomas; and John L. Wright and his wife, Cathy. He is survived by grandchildren Thea, Briana, Shaunie, Jackson, Noah, Rylee and Tyler; and by many nieces and nephews.

Earl had a heart of gold, and his love extended to the many children he fostered over 13 years. He was a man of God, and we take comfort knowing we will be reunited with him when the time is right.

Earl might have been a little hellion who enjoyed some innocent mischief, but he was also a man who was hard-working and a true leader. Earl cared for his crew at Dewcon Construction Inc. He loved his career and giving the guys silly nicknames. If you ever needed a good laugh, he was the guy for the job. Earl spent many years traveling around the country for his work in the pipelining industry following in the footsteps of his father and brothers, Bob and Jim.

Many years were spent racing motocross with brothers Jim and John, as well as lifelong friend, Dave Norman. If he wasn't racing motocross, this daredevil would be nursing injuries from motocross or other risky adventures. Earl was an avid wrestler alongside his brother, John, during their Grand Island High School years.

He had the best sense of humor in the toughest situations. Someone with not only a big heart who was reliable, but the guy you could call at any time and he would show up and lend a hand. He had a huge heart and shared his love openly with his family, friends, work buddies and all his many pets.

Earl enjoyed rooting for the Buffalo Bills, cooking and having clam boils with a love of fishing – always chasing the big one. Most of all, Earl was a loving, devoted husband and father who enjoyed his family. He cherished the many years spent working alongside his son, Zack. His wife, Jude, was his love and comfort. The life of the party and big prankster will truly be missed, along with his conversion closing comments of "Live your life like it could end any day," followed by "I love you.”

There will be a memorial gathering from 1-4 p.m. this Saturday, Nov. 4, at River Oaks on Grand Island. All our welcome to come share stories, laugh, cry and remember what a truly wonderful man Earl was to so many people.