Thomas Wright, 99, of Hillsdale, formerly of Palisades Park, died Friday, June 29, 2018, at home. Tom was born in Ridgefield, the son of Thomas C.Wright and Hilda Lustmann. He was a graduate of Leonia High School, class of 1935. During World War II he served in the CB division of the Navy stationed in Virginia, California and eventually in the South Pacific where he constructed a base in the island of Manus. After the war, he was employed as an accountant by John Waldvogel in Ridgefield for many years. He was predeceased by his wife, Gloria (nee Speciale) of 71 years and is survived by his sons, Mark T. and Keith D. and his wife, Anne, and two grandsons, Christian and his wife, Jennifer and Matthew and his fiancee Adrienne as well as three great-grandchildren: Tyler Jameson, Riley Elizabeth, and John Thomas. He is also survived by many devoted nieces and nephews. Thomas loved music and played tenor saxophone for 91 years. He was an early member of the Palisades Park Fire Dept. Band from 1949 until about 1970. From the late 1930’s he played in various dance bands regularly until the 1980’s. After then he volunteered to play at various nursing homes and rehabs, notably at the Jewish Home in Rockleigh and the Gallen Center. He played 49 music engagements at the age of 98.
The family will celebrate his life and love of music in a memorial at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave., Northvale on Saturday, July 14th from 2PM- 5PM. Donations in his memory will gratefully accepted by Swim-in for the Handicapped c/o Barbara A. Lightbody, 31 Margie Avenue, Cresskill, N.J. 07627-1507
www.pizzifuneralhome.com
Mark, Keith and Anne, and family
We are so very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We know how difficult this time is and wish the great memories can lessen your pain just a bit.
love , Renee and Jim Bertsch