Obituary of Dick Wright

Dick (James R.) Wright of Stratford, CT and Melbourne Beach, FL, passed away on December 5, 2007. Born on June 12, 1930 to William and Alice Wright, Dick grew up on Bliss Road in Newport, RI. After graduating from De La Salle High School, Dick earned his undergraduate degree with honors from St. Anselm College in Manchester, NH. Upon graduation, Dick committed himself to two things which influenced the remainder of his life. First, he joined the U. S. Marine Corps and became an officer and aviator serving in the Korean War. Second, and most importantly, he met and married Maureen Donnelly, who became his wife and best friend for the next fifty four years. Dick joined Sikorsky Aircraft in 1957. He started as a Production Test Pilot, and later was promoted to experimental test pilot. In that capacity, Dick was the Project Test Pilot for the famous USAF Jolly Green Giant H-3 rescue helicopter, which was responsible for rescuing many downed pilots in North Vietnam. Dick was awarded the United States Air Medal, the first to be given to a civilian, for his pioneering and hazardous work in developing and flying the first helicopter mid-air refueling. Dick then became the Project Test Pilot for the CH-53 USMC aircraft, and was instrumental in qualification of that aircraft. His next promotion was to Chief Test Pilot at Sikorsky, a post he held for 14 years until his retirement. He made the first flight in, and guided the development of, the current UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter for the U. S. Army. Over 3000 of these aircraft and its variants are currently providing military and civilian services in 27 nations. The USMC VH-60 model of the Blackhawk carries the President of the United States. During his flight career, Dick also established several speed records for helicopters, including two in two days in June 1970. He left a legacy of excellence and high standards to his peers at Sikorsky, both in the cockpit and in the board room. Dick was a devoted fan of the New York Giants and a good golfer with a much better than average short game. He was also a loving father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife Maureen; his son Jay, his wife Sharyn and their children, Sean, Michael and Katelyn; his son Stephen, his wife Patty and their children Nicole, Cory and Jeffrey; his son Paul, his wife Joyce and their children Courtney, Megan, Caroline and Stephen; his daughter Christine Rafferty, her husband Michael and their children, Michaela and Jack. Funeral Information Funeral services will take place on Monday, December 10, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull, and at 10:00 a.m. in St. Mark Church, Stratford for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. Friends may call on Sunday from 3 to 7 p.m. Donations Information The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made in Dicks name to The Vitas Hospice Care Charitable Fund, 777 Commerce Drive, Suite 220, Fairfield, CT 06825.