Jerold "Jerry" T. Wright
Jerold Taylor “Jerry” Wright passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on September 5, 2023. Born March 14, 1934 to Jacob Taylor Wright and Mabel Wright, Jerry grew up in the Burholme neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia and graduated from Frankford High School in 1953. His early years playing baseball and football, including a year on Temple University’s football team, inspired a lifelong passion for sports. Jerry served in the United States Army during the Korean War and continued his service in the Army Reserve until the early 1960s. He was a proud and active veteran throughout his life, including, in recent years, directing the display of hundreds of flags during patriotic holidays in his community of Ann’s Choice in Warminster, Pennsylvania.
Jerry spent 45 years working in sales for a number of companies, including Mainline Lumber, Spaulding Fibre, Rockwell International, and the Weiler Brush Company. His tremendous sense of humor, love of a good story, and deep honesty and integrity drew customers to him and turned many customers into lifelong friends.
The pride and joy of Jerry’s life was the family he built with his wife, Judy. From the moment he set eyes on her at a weekly dance, Judy was the love of Jerry’s life. She was a little skeptical at first, but, with his sharp suit, stylish car, and persistent approach (remember, he was a salesman), he won her over and earned an invitation to family dinner. The rest was history.
Married 62 years, Big Jer and Big Jude, as they were known to all, had four children and their home in Churchville, Pennsylvania was a constant hub of activity. Big Jer coached generations of local kids in football, baseball, softball, and basketball. He always appreciated a winning season, but he was even more intent on teaching his athletes how to play the game the right way and develop the attitudes and confidence to be the best people they could be. Countless players, including his own children and grandchildren, considered him the best coach they ever had and he was proud to see his sons make coaching a central part of their own lives. Even after Jerry’s coaching career ended, his devotion to sports, and especially to Philly sports teams, remained strong. At no point would Big Jer pass up an opportunity to see or talk about the Phillies, Eagles, or Villanova basketball.
A man of faith, Jerry knew he was deeply blessed by the Lord. He always viewed the glass as full—not half-full, fully full. Whatever trials came his way, he knew that with God, Judy, and his family by his side, life would bring boundless joy. He loved people and threw himself into his community, and his broad circle of friends enriched his life beyond measure. Over the past decade, he continued to be a fixture of the community in Ann’s Choice, a proud member of the ROMBC (Retired Old Men’s Breakfast Club) and the Bats and Balls Lunch Club.
Jerry lived every moment of his 89-and-a-half years to the fullest. He is survived by his wife, Judy; his children, Jay Wright (Patty), Donna Wright Somerville, Jennifer Wright Moore (Stephen), and Derek Wright (Carissa); 11 beloved grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. He will be deeply missed.
A celebration of Big Jer’s life will be held Saturday, September 9, 2023. Visitation will be from from 1:30 pm-3:30 pm at Davisville Church 325 Street Rd. Southampton, PA and a celebration of life to follow with military honors.
In lieu of flowers the family would like to request donations be made to two organizations that were close to Jerold’s heart; Grateful Gatherings (www.gratefulgatherings.org), a charity founded and run by Jerry’s daughter Donna that provides household furnishings to families, veterans, elderly and foster youth transitioning out of homelessness or to Salute 2 Service (www.salute2service.org), which provides a variety of vital services to veterans and their families.
Afternoon Visitation
Saturday, September 9th, 2023
1:30 PM - 3:30 PMDavisville Church
325 Street Road
Southampton, PA 18966Celebration of Life
Saturday, September 9th, 2023
3:30 PM - 4:30 PMDavisville Church
325 Street Road
Southampton, PA 18966