Virgil A. "Fudge" Wright

Virgil Arthur “Fudge” Wright, 92, Lake City, passed away Friday Jul. 5, 2024, at UPMC Hamot, Erie PA.

He was born in Lake City (North Girard) on Jan. 1, 1932, the son of the late Donald Frank Wright and Mildred May Kidder Wright White.

Virgil graduated from Rice Avenue Union High School where he excelled in football, basketball and baseball. He helped plant the now large trees along Martin Avenue in a summer work program as a youth. As a kid, he even had a pet woodchuck, “Johnny”!  Following high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Virgil had worked for Allegheny Construction, Robert F. Billie and McManus Engineering as a surveyor and was a 55-year member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local No. 66. Also, Parker White, Lake City Manufactured Homes, and as a grape tyer for William Byham.  After “retiring” he worked at Elk Valley Golf Course and even worked at Peak and Peak as a lift operator (free golfing and ski passes). He became a lifetime member of the Girard American Legion Post 494 where he was loved and admired by all who knew him.

He enjoyed years of baseball, softball and slow pitch. He ran 5k and 10k races in his 50’s and 60’s.  He enjoyed rollerblading, riding his bicycle and skiing into his 80’s.  He loved golfing with Doug and Pat and taking golf trips with his many golf buddies right up until 90. Actually, he never did stop hitting golf balls.  He collected golf balls he salvaged at golf courses, he would clean them and then give them to friends to continue their golfing. He bowled Thursday nights in Lake City in the winter until he was 91.  He watched many sports with his sons, often rooting for the underdogs.  He read magazines and Reader’s Digest large print books and would put together puzzles in the winter.  He had a lifelong love of dancing, learning to square dance later in life. 

Along with raising 5 kids with his wife Elizabeth, they had dogs, cats, rabbits, a horse and 4 ponies, he even found time to garden and liked to cook. He spent numerous hours and miles following his children to their sporting events, band, chorus, twirling and cheerleading activities and then continued to follow his grandkids to similar events.  He dearly loved his family.

He was preceded in death by an infant sister Marie Wright in 1930, his stepfather Jack “John” White in 1980, his son Daniel Frank Wright in October 1991 and his sister Virginia Elaine Kicey in December 1999.

Survivors include his ex-wife Elizabeth Knepp Gilbert, the mother of sons Michael, Douglas (wife Meredith) and Patrick (wife Angel) Wright and daughter Kelly (husband Michael) Keep, grandchildren Jordan, Rachel and Daniel; Devin, Damin and Danielle; Jon and Nicole; and several great grandchildren, along with many faithful friends and golfing buddies.

He had countless friends, he appreciated their hugs and loved to kid around with everyone.

He led a full life, just not long enough!  He is already greatly missed!  For now, he is just resting, awaiting his resurrection.

We, his family, would like to thank all the doctors, nurses, staff, family, friends and neighbors who lovingly helped and cared for our dad, especially over the last few years.

Friends may offer respects Friday, July 12th from 2-4pm and 6-8pm with a service on Saturday, July 13th at 10am, all services being held at Edder Funeral Home, Inc.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Dr. Gertrude A. Barber Foundation, 100 Barber Place, Erie, PA 16507.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Virgil A. "Fudge" Wright, please visit our floral store.