Friends and co-workers say Charlie Wright was excellent at whatever he did. He helped immeasurably as the #MiddletownRI plumbing and mechanical inspector for years, but that wasn't all. The town mourns Wright's loss and extends sympathies to his family.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Matt Sheley at (401) 842-6543 or msheley@middletownri.com
TOWN MOURNS LOSS OF INVALUABLE INSPECTOR — EVEN BETTER MAN
MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (FEBRUARY 15, 2024) – Middletown’s Plumbing and Mechanical Inspector has passed away.
Building Department staff expressed sadness Thursday at the death of Charlie Wright, the Newport Fifth Warder who had worked with the town since September 2015.
One of the original Polar Bears for the Newport Polar Plunge, Wright was known across Aquidneck Island and the region for his hard work, dedication, drive to give back and positive spirit.
“He was a great guy and had done it all in the field,” said Chris Costa, who leads the departmente as the town’s Building Official. “I know we all felt really fortunate to have him here and he did excellent work. He was a huge asset to us and the entire Town of Middletown.
“At one point, he owned his own plumbing business and he took care of everybody and always made time for others, no matter how busy he was. Everything he did was top notch and I really liked how he was so good with apprentices and those looking to get into the trades.”
“Every time I talked to Charlie, I came away feeling I learned something,” added Brian Palakiko, the town’s Assistant Building Inspector. “He just had that way about him. A true gentleman.”
A 1959 graduate from Rogers High School in Newport, Wright had a unique and extensive background in the building field — and beyond.
Wright held his Rhode Island master plumber license for more than 40 years. He also was a licensed master pipefitter and master refrigeration technician for more than 30 years and licensed master sprinkler contractor for more than 20 years.
Wright also a member and past chairman of the Rhode Island State Board of Pipefitters, Refrigeration Technicians, Sprinkler Fitters. He also had extensive experience with air quality, asbestos repair and other qualifications.
He worked for years as a chief mechanical investigator for the Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training, Division of Professional Regulation, before retiring that post in 2008.
He also showed a willingness and interest in helping others learn. This included time as a contract instructor with the New England Institute of Technology, the Newport Adult Learning Center and RIPHCC, among others.
Wright was also involved in his hometown as well. He served as the chairman of the Newport Beach Commission, with the Lions Club of Newport, past chairman of the BPO Elks Lodge No. 104, a member of the Knights of Columbus and commodore for the Goat Island Yacht Club and countless other organizations.
Costa said while Wright’s resume was beyond impressive, he was even a better person who genuinely cared and wanted to make a positive difference.
“I don’t think it’s a reach to say that Charlie did so much for our state and our municipality,” Costa said. “He truly touched all Rhode Islanders with his knowledge, code teaching, inspections and kindness. He was one of a kind and I know he’s missed already.”
Document Link: https://www.middletownri.com/DocumentCenter/View/11518/NYCU-Wright