Joseph J. Wright, 83, a jazz drummer and English professor who formerly performed on weekends at the Depot Restaurant in Cold Spring, died Feb. 16 at his home in Fishkill.

Joe Wright
Joe Wright

Joe was born in Manhattan on Aug. 7, 1941, the son of John and Delia (Laffey) Wright. He pursued his passions for jazz and writing throughout his life.

After completing his master’s degree in 1983, he taught English and music history at various colleges, including Marymount and Mercy, and for the prison programs at the Sing Sing and the Bedford Hills correctional facilities. He retired in 2017 from the Borough of Manhattan Community College.

For over 50 years, he played drums professionally in jazz groups throughout New York City and the Hudson Valley. His last gig was summer weekends at the Depot Restaurant; it lasted 30 years.

He married Teresa Hood on Sept. 5, 2020; she survives him. He is also survived by his niece, Julie Bilgrav. His siblings, Jack, Eugene and Anne (Thompson) Wright, died earlier.

Calling hours are scheduled for 4 to 6 p.m. on March 7 at McHoul Funeral Home, 1089 Main St., in Fishkill. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (act.alz.org) or the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation (louisarmstrongfoundation.org).

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Type: Obituary

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