Milbridge and Jacksonville, Fla.
Donald K. Wright Jr., son of Carolyn and the late Donald K. Wright Sr., passed away Monday, June 13, 2022, from multiple health issues caused by 35 years of quadriplegia.
Born in Jonesport on May 2, 1955, Donny attended Milbridge Grammar School, graduated from Narraguagus High School in 1973 and attended the University of Maine-Presque Isle. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1976 and received an honorable discharge as an aviation ordinance petty officer, second class. Following his discharge, he worked for a Converse distributorship and was self-employed.
In November 1987, Donny was severely injured in a single-car accident, becoming a C5- C6 quadriplegic. Following months of hospitalization and rehabilitation, Donny lived independently in Bangor. He viewed every obstacle as a challenge, never complaining.
A standout athlete in high school with a competitive spirit, Donny was a founding member of Maine’s first competitive wheelchair rugby team, the Maine Roadrunners, in the early 1990s. This affiliation allowed Donny opportunities to travel the U.S. and Canada, competing in numerous tournaments and hosting local exhibitions for over 20 years. This also presented him an opportunity to assist fundraising efforts for a multipurpose athletic field at his hometown grammar school in Milbridge. The community honored his efforts by naming the field after him, “Wright Field,” a tribute he cherished with pride.
Donny is survived by his mother, Carolyn, of Hancock; daughters Amy (Dan) Caldwell of Jacksonville, Fla., and Erin Wright of Searsport; grandchildren Sarah Rowell of Yulee, Fla., Danielle and Carolyn Caldwell of Jacksonville, Fla., and Benjamin Curtis of Orland; brother Jeff (Melody) Wright of Ellsworth; nieces Courtney (Jacob) Taylor of Ellsworth and Cristin Wright of Wanaque, N.J.; uncle George Joy of Jax, Fla.; special cousins Carol (Tom) Zack of Portland, Maine, Sue (Buddy) Mills of Jonesport; Barry (Rita) Joy, Jacksonville, Fla., Mark (Joanne) Smith, Harwich, Mass., Scott (Sandy) Joy, Jacksonville, Fla., Chris (Pam) Smith of Jonesport and Anthony (Felicia) Joy of Jacksonville, Fla.; and great-nephews Lucas and Camden Taylor of Ellsworth.
He was predeceased by his infant daughter Jill; father, Donald K. Wright Sr.; aunts Joan Joy and Sally Smith; uncle Robert Smith and cousin Shawn Joy.
The family wishes to give special thanks to all the family, friends, the rugger community and professional health-care professionals and services who aided in Donny’s medical care, physical rehabilitation and enrichment of his quality of life. Services will be announced at a later date. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.mcclurefamilyfuneral.com.