WATERTOWN - Robert (Bob, Rob) Leslie Wright, age 87 of Watertown, the loving husband of Frances “Franny” (Soboleski) Wright, passed away peacefully on June 8th, 2026, at his home surrounded by the love and comfort of his family and friends by his side.

Bob was born on June 28th, 1938, in Waterbury, CT, the son of Lawrence and Helen (Sihaus) Wright. Bob graduated from the carpentry program at Kaynor Technical School in 1957. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country while he was stationed in Germany for 3 years. Upon his return, he built homes and began installing kitchens and bathrooms for Lewis Millwork for the next 20 years.

Bob established and opened his own showroom, Kitchen Elegance, in 1984 in Middlebury, CT. He took tremendous pride in designing and creating stunning custom kitchens and bathrooms throughout Connecticut, and many of his customers became friends. Bob was very active in his community. As a loving father of three girls, Bob began contributing to the Water-Oak Little League and personally obtained a position on the board to advocate for his daughters. He was an extraordinary softball coach and helped build the confidence of many girls and, most importantly, made the game fun for all who were lucky enough to play for him. He also used his carpentry skills to build the concession stand at Mosgrove Field.

Bob loved to spend time outdoors as he was an avid fisherman and hunter, a member of the Bethlehem Conservation Club and the Quassapaug Sportsman Club. Through the years, he also enjoyed and spent time golfing in various leagues in the Watertown area and playing cards with his dear friends. He has hunted and fished from Newfoundland to Alaska to Belize with his buddies and told many wonderful and entertaining stories about their adventures. He loved the outdoors, and Opening Day was one of his favorite words. He was a huge fan of the UConn Men's and Women’s Basketball teams, which made winters more tolerable. He even cheered on the 2010 UConn Women’s team to victory in San Antonio. Bob hosted Christmas Eve dinner every year for his family, and it was an evening he looked forward to all year. On any given morning, you could find him on the water at Quassapaug, which he loved sharing with his family and friends. Bob was an outdoorsman, a loving family man, an extremely creative and talented carpenter, and an all-around special person. Even when his eyes started to fail him, his love for his family and friends never wavered.

Left to honor his legacy and cherish his memory besides his loving wife Franny of 64 years, he leaves his daughters, Darlene Melkonian (David Melkonian), Dawn Wright (Jim Hunt), and Deidre Wright (John Balis). He also leaves his grandchildren, Samantha, Christopher, and Melissa Melkonian, Indiana, Kaidence, and Fate Wright, who loved their Poppy in addition to other extended family members and many wonderful, dear friends whom he loved and who loved him tremendously. He was predeceased by his sister Barbara “Honey” (Wright) Sullivan

Dad, may the skies be as blue as your eyes, the waters as calm as your spirit, may ABBA be playing on repeat and the fish biting. You will be missed, beyond words, by all who loved you.

Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects and visit with Bob's family at Casey-O’Neill Funeral Home, 742 Main St, Oakville, CT 06779, on Sunday afternoon, June 14th, from 1:00pm – 3:30pm with a Memorial Service that begins at 3:30 pm. Burial will be held privately and at the convenience of his family. A Celebration of Bob's Life will take place on June 28th, Bob's 88th birthday, in Naugatuck. Details will be shared by the family. In this time of reflection, the family welcomes all who knew and loved Bob to share messages of condolence, comfort, and cherished memories. Please visit the funeral home's tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to connect with the family, honor their loved one’s memory with floral arrangements and other gifts or to view a full version of the obituary.