Ernest C Wright

Rutland

Ernest C. Wright

Ernest C. Wright, (Chef Ernie) of Rutland, died October 28, 2023 at Christiana Hospital in Wilmington, Delaware after a short illness.

Ernie was born in Sharon, PA on November 2, 1943, the son of Charles Wright and Katherine Kautzman. Ernie married the love of his life, Linda on June 30, 1973 and they had 50 wonderful years of marriage.

Ernie graduated from Cleveland Heights High School in 1962 and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served from 1962 to 1967 in the position of helicopter aviation and toured Italy, France and the Mediterranean. Upon completion of his duty, he located to Seaside Heights, New Jersey. He began his career in the restaurant industry on the Jersey Shore. His vacation from the New Jersey Shore brought him to Vermont during the winter season for a ski trip, however, he developed a close relationship with several restaurant owners in Killington, VT and he started working at a restaurant formerly known as Steaks and Things in the Killington area. As his love for cooking grew, his skills and expertise were highly recognized as he continued his career in the Killington area, working at Wobbly Barn and Charity’s Restaurant. Shortly after, the idea of the Wobbly II came to mind and Ernie was instrumental in creating the idea of handcarved sandwiches in a cafeteria style restaurant in downtown Rutland, VT. Ernie was also the chef at Sawdi’s Steak House in Pittsford, VT, owner and chef at the Hogge Penny Tavern with partners, Charlie Pockette and Tony Altobell. His catering business was popular for many large weddings and summer barbeque events. Ernie also had a love of boating. He owned and operated Wright Boat Company in Center Rutland, VT.

In 2007 Ernie’s son Jamie made it possible for his dad to live out his dream of opening a small deli in downtown Rutland. Handcarved by Ernie was developed and modeled after Wobbly II. Ernie retired in 2020, after selling the business to Jen Walker. Ernie took great pride in cooking and hand carving meats at local events including many at the Howe Conference Center with his good friends Richard and Angie LaVictoire.

Ernie was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church, committee chair of the Boy Scouts of America in 1988 and 1989, member of the American Legion for over 25 years and supported many community events.

Ernie had a magnetic personality and was loved by all who knew him. He enjoyed going for rides, the casino and going out to dinner with family and his special friends from Latham, NY, Pat and Ken Sipperly, (Sis and Buddy).

Ernie is survived by his wife, Linda, his son Jamie Wright and his wife Robin (Rocque), and grandchildren Cooper and Addison Wright, his daughter Kathy Amadio and her husband Stephen and newest grandson, Gabriel Amadio. He is also survived by his three sisters, Carol Haluska, Gayle Guy, Charleen O’Leary and her husband Jack and his brother Laine Wright and his wife Victoria.

Ernie is also survived by his wife’s family, Allan Patrick, Larry Patrick and wife Susan, Brian Patrick and wife Lynne and Kevin Patrick and wife Denise, sister-in-laws, Diane Burbank and companion Richard, Debra Husby and husband Gene, Peggy Ricketts and husband Kenneth and many nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Charles and Katherine Wright and Walter and Janice Patrick.

Arrangements were provided by Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home in Middletown, DL and Clifford Funeral Home in Rutland.

Calling hours will be held at Clifford Funeral Home in Rutland on Wednesday November 8, 2023 from 10:00 to 1:00pm. There will be a prayer service at the funeral home at 1:00pm. Followed by burial with military honors at Evergreen Cemetery in Center Rutland.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis TN 38105