Jeffrey L. “Jeff” Wright
June 19, 1957 - August 17, 2025
Jeffrey L. “Jeff” Wright, age 68, of St. Georges, DE, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 17, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Bloomsburg, PA, on June 19, 1957, Jeff was the son of the late John Leonard and Thalia Isabelle (Redline) Wright. He built a proud career as a driver-salesman with Pepsi-Cola, where he worked for more than 40 years before retiring in 2015. His strong work ethic and outgoing personality left a lasting impression on his coworkers and customers alike.
Outside of work, Jeff was a man who lived life fully and cherished simple pleasures. He loved days spent on the water boating and fishing, and time at the beach, whether in Delaware, Maryland, or Florida. Jeff especially enjoyed summers in Ocean City, where memories were made with family on the boat, at the beach, and gathered around the table together.
Jeff was a natural coach both on and off the field, spending many years guiding and encouraging young athletes. A proud Philadelphia sports fan, he rarely missed the chance to watch a game and loved cheering on his children and grandchildren in their own sports and activities. He enjoyed traveling with Rita, his lifelong companion, and together they shared countless adventures. In his younger years, Jeff spent time bowling, and throughout his life he carried a passion for classic cars, often working on them and even restoring his own. He enjoyed spending time outdoors with family and friends, and even just a few weeks ago was at the beach visiting some of his favorite places.
Family meant everything to Jeff. He treasured gatherings at home, especially watching his seven grandchildren play in the pool and the yard, and he loved to hang out with his beloved grand dog, Deuce. Known for his sense of humor, lively spirit, and ability to fix just about anything, from a stubborn garage door to a tough day, Jeff was happiest when surrounded by those he loved. His great taste in music and his quick wit will be remembered by all who knew him.
Above all, Jeff was a loving husband. He and Rita were married as teenagers at age 17, and together they recently celebrated 51 wonderful years of marriage. He loved his wife dearly and their devotion to each other was an inspiration to all who knew them.
In addition to his parents, Jeff was preceded in death by his siblings, Jane Stahl and Robert Wright. He is survived by his devoted wife, Rita M. (Fairchild) Wright; his children, Stacy Edwards (Richard, Jr.) and Elaine Fielding (Todd Justus); siblings, Jack Wright, Thomas Wright, Theresa Porter, and Kay Oakes; grandchildren, Alison LaVere, Noelle Edwards, Gabrielle Kowalski, Maria Fields, and Angelina Edwards; great-grandchildren, Julian, Teddy, Norah, Silas, Jack, Atlas, and Sophie; and his loyal “grand dog,” Deuce.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9:30 am until 11 am on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, where a memorial service will begin at 11 am. Interment will be held privately.
Jeff will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, coach, and friend. His legacy of love, laughter, and family devotion will live on through all who were fortunate enough to know him.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jeff’s memory to Humane Animal Partners, 455 Stanton Christiana Road, Newark, DE 19713 or online by clicking here.
Melissa
What a beautiful tribute to his life. My deepest condolences.
Rick and Theresa McGalliard
Jeff was one in a million !! It’s hard to find the right words to describe our friendship. Especially Rick and Jeff, friends since early childhood. There wasn’t anything they didn’t share. Hard times, good times, work and chores. Anything, they were there for each other. Jeff’s passing is a great loss for sure
Bill Walsh
So sorry for your loss Jeff was an amazing guy and a good friend we will always remember his smile and kind heart Jeff thank you for so meany good memories
Gabe Conley
Our thoughts are with you and condolences in your loss. Jeff was a beautiful person. His love for all will live forever.
Rico dellamonica
Great guy. Jeff you will be missed. Love you you guys. My deepest condolences
Scott Craig
My deepest condolences to all the family. Jeff was a wonderful fun loving person. God bless.
Traci Richmond-Kocher
Rita and Family – So sorry for your loss. May your loving memories carry you all through this difficult time. You’re in my prayers.
Michael A Farmer
It was a pleasure knowing jeff, had allot of fun playing cards, watching football and playing horseshoes he will be missed sad to see him go, what a good man
Jennifer Buckson
I am so sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing
Shelagh Thomas
So very sorry for your loss. Jeff was a wonderful person. He will be missed🙏❤️
Jane and Jim Kolasinski
Our condolences and prayers to you Rita and family. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Loyal and dedicated man to his wife and family .
Shannon Surface
I’m truly sorry to hear this. Some of my earliest memories were at your house and at the ball field. I remember when your pool was being built and coming to your house to drink Pepsi lol. I have nothing but good memories of your whole family. I’m truly sorry for the loss of Mr Jeff.
Jeanine Fusco-Lano
Stacy/Rita and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. What a beautifully-written obituary. Sounds like your dad/husband led a beautiful life and you all made it that way. Please know I am thinking of, and praying for, all of you. Xoxoxo Jeanine Fusco-Lano
Pat Ball
So sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family. God bless
Marie Murson
I am so sorry for your loss. This is so heartbreaking for your family. Before I retired from Costco I used to see him in our receiving dept. making deliveries. I remember him from the neighborhood. We all had so much fun. RIP my friend and may your memory be a blessing to all of us.❤️🙏🏻
Chris Fulvio
It was very sad to hear Jeff’s passing. I work with Jeff for many many years and he was always a good standup guy. My condolences to his family.
Deborah Smith
So sorry to hear this news. Jeff always had a smile when conversing. We go way back all of us. Rita, in my thoughts and prayers. Wish I could attend services but can’t because of work and so far from Bethany. Contact me if you want. Cell is 302 493 8544. God bless you and heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Love Debbie
Jeff Grimes
I only met Jeff two or three times; which I thoroughly enjoyed my conversations with him. Immediately I could tell that Jeff was a strong man with strong morals and a love for life. I wish I could have had more time with him. He and Rita raised superb daughters which shines greatly on his character. Rest easy sir, job well done!
Christine Yarnall
Elaine’s Dad was like a guardian angel for me while I rented Elaine’s beach cottage in Ocean City He was so kind and considerate and went above and beyond to put my fears at ease while I rented from his daughter. I was in a difficult place in my life and God used him mightily to help me feel safe and well cared for while I lived there. There wasn’t one thing that wasn’t perfectly set up or provided for me while I rented there. May God bless this family and his legacy for generations. In Jesus name Amen.
Tabitha Heredia
Rest Easy Uncle Jeff.
Tony Franklin
Jeff was a great guy. Honest and up front. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed..
Lori Stinson-Schofield
I’m so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute to his life and loves. Sending you all my love.
Bill and Brenda Jolly
We are so sad for your family. Jeff was a special person. We will always cherish the special memories at The Summer Breeeze Condo in Ocean City, Md.
Lindsey Varites
As a close friend of Tina’s, she’d shared how her Uncle Jeff was a second father to her. My heartfelt condolences are with his family. 🕊️
Joyce winn
Elaine and Rita. Such a shock. So sorry to hear this. He was such a nice person
Caroline Honse
Jeff was a kind, happy man and such a dear person to have as a cousin.
Tom Pruitt
Rita and Family,
Jeff and I started at Pepsi around the same time (mid 70s). He serviced one side of the U of D campus and I did the other. Sometimes we’d meet for lunch at the Christiana towers and maybe even play a game of foos ball! Jeff was a great guy and I always enjoyed his company. After watching the memorial video on this website, it was clear that he loved his family more than anything and although he will truly be missed, many great memories will remain. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Kim and Bill Moran
Jeff always made us feel at home at our family gatherings. Always inquiring about our kids and our lives. He always shared stories with us with a twinkle in his eyes about his family. RIP
Tony Cassetta
Jeff was a very good person. I had the privilege of bowling in the same league with him for years. He always had a smile on his face and could make you laugh just talking with him. Great guy!! Condolences to his family!