John E. Wright (Jack) K3CHR died 1 December 2019 at the age of 95. Born in Spring Mill, PA, Jack grew up playing with his cousins, among them Herbie and Billy Lindsey. At the age of 17, just before his graduation from Northeast High, he enlisted in the US Navy. He served during World War II, stationed part of the time in the South Pacific as a hospital corpsman. After the war, he became a deep sea diver, working with his buddy Earl. Jack received his discharge papers in 1948, but the Navy was always his first love, and in 1963 he enlisted in the Naval Reserve. He served as a Chief Petty Officer and retired from the Navy in 1977. He was a member of the Fleet Reserve Association. In the late 1950s, Jack discovered amateur radio and bought his first "goony" box. From then almost until his death, he worked the air waves as K3CHR: C, Charlie; H, Henry; R, Roger. Using a metal key, he excelled at tapping out and transcribing code. Jack belonged to the Philmont Mobile Radio Club. Jack was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, being initiated into the 4th Degree on 17 April 1955. On 23 June 1950, Jack graduated from the Accounting School of Columbia Institute and earned his living as an accountant and office manager. Jack was the husband of the late Genevieve Wright (nee Kieltyka), whom he married on 8 July 1944. He'd telegraphed on short notice, telling her to get her marrying clothes ready as he was coming home. He is survived by his daughters Louise E. Wright and Joyce Napoline (Marty Harkins). Relatives and friends are invited to his Viewing Thursday at 9 AM followed by Funeral Mass 11 AM at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. Interment Oakland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of this "Silent Key" may be made to the ARRL (American Radio Relay League) Foundation (details at arrl.org).
