Nelson D. Wright

March 9, 1938 - July 3, 2026

Fifty years to the day from his first date with his future wife, Nelson Derr Wright, 88, passed away peacefully in his Belle Isle, Florida home shortly before a stunning sunset on July 3, 2026. Born on snowy March 9, 1938 to Lucille Mary Derr and William Vincent Wright, Nelson grew up in Berwick, Pennsylvania. After a short residence in North Carolina, he settled in Orlando, Florida in 1963. All who knew him recognized his ingenuity in conjunction with an opinionated persistence which allowed him to forge ahead in living his life the “Wright” way. His innate creativity, impressive skillsets, and do-it-yourself mentality assisted him in achieving many goals. Of those, Nelson was most proud of the house he personally designed and built with his wife, Shirley, during the early years of their marriage. Constructed using found and repurposed materials, the cedar-sided home, inspired in part by the designs of architect Frank Lloyd Wright, blends beautifully into the lakeside, live oak filled landscape. Over the past two decades he and Shirley also transformed a small mountain cabin in western North Carolina into a vibrant second home. Nelson was an avid catamaran sailor, with many years of experience sailing Prindles and Hobie Waves, often bringing home first place no matter the handicaps placed upon him. Nelson also built his own carbon fiber F25C trimaran, unofficially named Sailing 101. He was often seen towing his boats with unexpected vehicles, such as his Corvette, classic GMC motorhome, and later his Smart Car. He was a private pilot as well as a certified instructor for the Orlando Power Squadron. In the 1970s he was an active member of the Central Florida Corvette Association and designed their logo of that era. He was a technical artist by trade, working for much of his career for Educational Computer Corporation (ECC). Traveling the United States and discovering off-the-beaten-path places was an endeavor he pursued with his family in classic GMC motorhomes he rebuilt. These adventures resulted in many cherished memories for all those involved. He was passionate about his hobbies and brought that passion to everyday life, with a knack for finding the most efficient way to accomplish any given goal. In doing so, Nelson, never hesitant to engage in fervent conversation, encouraged independent thought in many individuals he encountered. A force of nature, he is greatly missed. In his immediate family he is survived by Shirley, his wife of fifty years, as well as his three daughters Kitti (m. Courtnay, Palmetto, FL), Kristi (m. Joshua, Front Royal, VA) and Kimberly (m. Amran, Los Angeles, CA). He has one grandson, Connor. He is also survived by his older sister Nancy, younger brother Vincent, younger sister Yvonne, and his extended family. In honor of Nelson we suggest that you strive to protect the natural beauty in your area, and go outside to do something you enjoy. If you would like to do something lasting in his memory, consider a living tribute, such as a memorial tree (example: https://shop.alivingtribute.org/products/plant-a-tree-nc)