Wright Astley Burnham of West Grove, Pa. and Oak Bluffs died on Friday, August 22 at the Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del. He was 82 years old. He was the husband of Wendy Merner Burnham, with whom he shared 34 years of marriage.

Born in Fall River, Ted was the son of the late Malcolm W. and Grace Heatley Burnham. He was a proud graduate of Harvard University where he was a member of the Hasty Pudding Theatrical Society. Ted also studied at Yale and Bowling Green University.

Ted served as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy and Reserves for 21 years which included a deployment on the USS Goodrich. Additionally, he was a purchasing agent at Lukens Steel in Coatesville, Pa., for 30 years, retiring in 1986.

Ted met his wife, Wendy, through their involvement in local dinner theatre. Their combined love of theatre drew them to introduce and direct the All School Musical program at Avon Grove High School where he touched the lives of students for 24 years.

When he wasn’t quahaugging in Sengekontacket Pond he was happiest in blue jeans and a floppy hat enjoying the view of the sound from the deck of his Vineyard home. Ted’s love of sailing also came from his 82 years of summer life on the Vineyard.

His family and friends remember Ted for his sense of humor, green thumb (especially tomatoes), his pragmatism, and wonderfully practical approach to handling any of life’s challenges. Ted had the ability to build almost anything around the house. He personally collected field stones for the walls and completed the wood work in his home.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughters Kim Burnham of India and Susan Burnham and her husband Peter Richert of San Jose, Calif., his sister Grace Evans of Oriental, N.C., his grandchildren Nathan Hogan and Cynthia-Anne Hogan, and three great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter Cindy Hogan.

Services and interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Friends of Sengekontacket, online through sengekontacket.org.

Arrangements are by the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home, Kennett Square, Pa. On-line condolences may be made by visiting griecofuneralhomes.com.