THE VILLAGES, Fla. - Charles E. Wright, 73, passed away on Nov. 29, 2016 at The Villages Hospice House in Florida.Charlie was born on Jan. 1, 1943 in Hornell, N.Y., to George E. and Grace L. (Buck) Wright. Charlie grew up in Hornell. He graduated from Hornell Senior High School in 1960.After high school, Charlie attended the Alfred University College of Ceramics in Alfred, N.Y., where he received a B. S. in Ceramic Engineering. Charlie was a member of Kappa Psi Upsilon fraternity.Charlie was hired by IBM in 1965 where he worked as a procurement manager for IBM and earned his Master's in Industrial Psychology from Union College in Schenectady, N.Y. He retired as a highly respected and successful manager, coach, colleague and friend to all that worked for or with him in September, 2001 after 36 years. Charlie married his childhood sweetheart, Connie M. France, in 1966 in Jamestown, N.Y. They were happily married for over 50 years.Charlie was a devoted father, grandfather, uncle and friend who loved, and was loved by all who knew him. He loved to play the piano, which he learned to play as a child, and the organ and the guitar, which he taught himself to play as a young man. He enjoyed Disney World, golf, traveling across the U.S. and abroad, The Boston Pops, John Williams, reading, and everything that was "outstanding." He and Connie retired to The Villages, Fla. in 2001, where they enjoyed the camaraderie of both old and newfound friends.Charlie was preceded in death by his mother, Grace L. Wright, and father, George E. Wright. Charlie is survived by his wife Connie of The Villages, FL; his sons; Dan (his wife Melisse) Wright of Durham, NC, Jeff (his wife Allison) Wright of Poughkeepsie, NY and Tom (his wife Gina) Wright of Raleigh, NC; his brother Randy Wright of Hampton, VA; his grandchildren Carly, Grace, Charlie, Julia, Charlie and George; and his many beloved nieces and nephews and other relatives.Visiting hours will be offered at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Home, 1511 Buenos Aires Boulevard, The Villages, Fla., 32162, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016. After visiting hours, a celebration of his life will be held for family and friends at Lake Miona Recreation Center, 1526 Buena Vista Boulevard, The Villages, Fla., from noon–3:30 p.m.In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to ( stjude.org) or The Villages Hospice House on 601 Casa Bella, The Villages, Fla., at (352)-751-3150. Condolences may be left on Charlie's online guest book at hiers-baxley.com.