Robert L. Wright

Obituary of Robert L. Wright I

Born March 30, 1945 – Died April 21, 2026

Robert (Little Butch) L. Wright I, 81, of Warwick, RI, passed away on April 21, 2026, at home. He leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Annie Bull Wright. Annie and Butch first met at the O’Jay’s Concert at the Sugar Shack in Boston. If you know, you know. He is also survived by their son, Robert L Wright II of Warwick, his daughters, Kim Wright of Boston and Lauren Tate and grandson, Ronald Davis, both of Seekonk, MA.

Butch grew up in Providence, RI where he attended Central High School and LaSalle Academy where he was a star basketball player. He was known for his athleticfeats. Butch could jump; he was the first person of his shorter stature in the neighborhood to dunk that basketball. He was also an expert diver and was featured in the Providence Journal performing his elegant swan dive at the Prairie Avenue Pool in the early 1960s. He was always full of energy and the dickens. He was an artist, specializing in intricate drawings of his favorite comics and superheroes, often to his young son’s great and continued delight. He was always ready with a rhyme and had a particularly witty brand of the “Wright” humor. 

Robert was a veteran of the Vietnam War, having served in the 101st Airborne Division of the US Army. 

Butch, with his wife, Annie co-owned A. American Waterproofing Co. of Cranston, RI. He was a hard worker, skilled at waterproofing and a proud business owner who always tried to hire the young men from the neighborhood. Butch loved doing odd jobs with his crew right up to a few years ago. And he was always ready to lend a hand to the people in his neighborhood right up to the end.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Ethelynne (Merritt) and Robert Wright, his brothers, Kenneth Hampton and Jeffrey Pope; and his sisters Dawnita Wright-Colbert (Larry Colbert), and Wanda Wright-Cameron.

He is also survived by his brothers, Norton Wright (Marion Wright), Wesley Wright (Susan Dagostino Wright), Mister Wright, Jeffrey Wright Sr. (Toni Ellen Weeden-Wright), and Gregory Wright, of Rhode Island; and his sisters, Tawny Taylor (Ronald Taylor) and Donna Wright; and his brother, David Wright (Veronica Wacker-Wright), of Denver, Colorado. Additionally, he leaves behind a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

We will miss his warmth, generosity, rhymes, silliness, and his open-heartedness.

A Memorial Celebration will be held on Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 2:00 pm at the St. Martin de Porres Center, 160 Cranston Street, Providence, RI. We look forward to hearing stories of your life with him.

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