Paul E. Wright ’48

Paul died Dec. 6, 2012, at home in Goshen, N.Y. He was 84.

He had a lifelong career in music, starting with his Princeton degree in 1948. On campus he was in the Chapel Choir, Glee Club, and Theatre Intime. He studied organ at Westminster Choir College, then did graduate work at Syracuse University, Ithaca College, and New York University, where he earned a master’s degree. In those years and later, he accompanied shows of famous entertainers such as Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin, provided halftime music at pro basketball games, played in dance bands and at a resort in the Adirondacks, and was musical director for several summer theaters. In Syracuse he had his own half-hour radio program and was on some of the first telecast programs there.

After the Wrights settled in Goshen, he taught music for 30 years at the high school and directed 30 local productions of Broadway musicals. He was in charge of organ and choral music at the First Presbyterian Church, and from time to time played organ and led choirs at other churches and synagogues.

Paul’s wife of 62 years, Phyla (née Weyant), survives him, as do their children, Nadine Wright Post, Gail Wright Vriesema, Juli Wright Turi, Steven, and David; and 11 grandchildren.