Walter J. Wright, known to his family and friends as Bud, died at his home in Tequesta, Fla. on May 4 with his wife Joyce by his side. He was 89.

Formerly of West Tisbury, Darien and New Canaan, Conn., and Port Washington, N.Y., Bud grew up in the Throgs Neck section of the Bronx which gave him a lifelong love of being on the water. He was a graduate of the Bronx High School of Science. His various careers included theatrical lighting on Your Show of Shows, real estate, restaurateur, commodities broker and franchise creator.

He instilled his entrepreneurial spirit in all of his children. He raised four boys with his former wife, Doris, in Port Washington, Long Island.

He met Joyce and they married in 1972 and moved to New Canaan, Conn. where they brought together two sets of children. As a gardener, woodworker, boat builder, lover of all animals especially dogs, seaman and traveler, Bud’s huge enthusiasm and pursuit of all interests kept him active his whole life. He involved his children in his many fun and adventurous activities. The children carry these memories with them to this day.

An avid sailor, Bud was a member of the New York Yacht Club, Noroton Yacht Club and Manhasset Bay Yacht Club. His love of the water brought him to the Five Mile River in Darien, Conn. where he would go out on his beloved boat Rejoice on a daily basis.

In retirement, Bud and Joyce settled on Martha’s Vineyard. For 25 years, they made wonderful memories for their kids and grandchildren.

Bud is survived by his wife Joyce (Burroughs) of 47 years; his sons David Wright of Fort Bragg, Calif., Tom Wright of Monson, Doug Wright of Jupiter, Fla., John Wright of Ridgefield, Conn., and stepson Chris Morrow of Carbondale, Colo. and stepdaughter Liz Morrow Reid of Wilton, Conn.; and 16 grand and step-grandchildren; and four great-grand and step-great grandchildren.

A memorial will be set at a future date.