Obituary of George R. Wright

George R. Wright, age 96, of Stratford, beloved husband of the late Regina Ruseski Wright, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 24, 2024 in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family. Born in Bridgeport, CT on March 15, 1928, he was the son of the late Carole Thomas Camara (Leo).

As a teenager, George assisted in organizing and coaching the first Little League team in Bridgeport. He began his baseball career in the Bridgeport Junior City League and for Bassick H.S. winning the City Championship. While still in High School, he joined the Black Rocks, a strong semi-pro football team as half-back for $25 per game plus a new pair of football shoes and then later joined the Western Jacksons. Although he eventually played professional baseball, his first love was basketball. He played with the Bridgeport Hungarians in the Interchurch League winning the title in 1950, 52 & 53 and other leagues winning the title in each one…Dictaphone Industrial League, Tigers YMCA House League & the Western Jacksons.

After high school he was playing for the baseball Western Jacksons winning the Park City League when he was invited to work out with the Boston Braves Class A Hartford Chiefs team. In 1949, George signed his first pro contract for $150/mo plus $.50 per day meal money on the road and was assigned to the Hi-Toms (NC) replacing future Braves Hall of Famer Eddie Matthews at 3rd base. He was picked up by the Clinton Blues of the Tobacco State League and in 1951 he signed a contract with the Kingsport Cherokees at a substantial increase over his top pay where he played outfield and 3rd base. The highlight of George's career came in 1951 while playing for the Cherokees vs the Johnson City Cardinals where he hit (2) HR's in the 5th inning for (7) RBI's and (3) HR's in the game for a total of (11) RBI's to set the Appalachian League hitting record. The (7) RBI's in (1) inning still stands as a Minor League record that hasn't been broken. George went on to play for the Rock Hill Chiefs (SC) in the Tri-State League, shining once again bringing in a total (9) RBI's that included hitting (2) HR's in the 8th inning. In 1953, George received a Western Union telegram calling him up to the Majors, "Report to Baltimore immediately; Hefner is looking for you".

After retiring from professional baseball, George played locally with the Bpt. All-Stars playing exhibition games against Major League All-Star teams, hitting a HR and a double against NY Yankees pitcher Vic Raschi.

After marrying his wife Regina of 45 years, together they raised 6 children and over the years, George coached their numerous Little League and Babe Ruth baseball teams and town basketball teams in Easton, CT. An iron worker by trade, he was employed by Leake & Nelson Steel Erection Co for 33 years as a foreman, safety director and assistant superintendent and was a member of the Iron Workers Local 424. A parishioner of St. James Church, George was a 4th Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus Park City Council 16.

He was a loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. The unconditional love he gave will forever live in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. George will be greatly missed.

Survivors include his six loving children, Carol Ann Emmitt (Tom), Regina Trimboli, Bobby Wright (Jim), Karen Wright, Joey Wright (Christine) and Billy Wright. Also, seven cherished grandchildren, TJ Trimboli (Kelley), Bobby Trimboli (Amanda), Michael Trimboli (Lisa), Jeana Trimboli (Matt), Cara Trimboli, Aly Wright, Lauryn Wright and seven adored great-grandchildren, AJ, Ryan, Sadie, Cory, Gianna & Brooklyn Trimboli and Arya Cingari.

A Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. directly at St. James Church, 2110 Main St., Stratford, CT. Interment will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery, Bronson Rd, Fairfield. Relatives and friends may greet the family on Monday, December 9th from 4-7 p.m. in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull. To leave an online condolence please visit www.abriola.com