Herschel James Wright
1913-April 4, 2009
Los Altos, California

Herschel James Wright, 96, a resident of Los Altos, died April 4.

Born in Cripple Creek, Colo., he lived at no fewer than 27 addresses in Colorado, Wyoming, Philippine Islands and California. His final residence, for the last 27 years, was Pilgrim Haven retirement home in Los Altos.

He enlisted in the National Guard in 1929, joined the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933 and enlisted for the first time in the army in 1937. He was promoted to Captain in 1944, completing his WW II service in Philippine Islands in 1946. He met and married Pauline Ester Overleese in Sept. of 1936.

He was an insurance salesman from 1937 until 1974. After Pauline's death in 1981, he met and married Alma Nelsena (Lindgren) Fitzloff, with whom he shared 15 happy years. He was a beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

He and Pauline built two houses almost by themselves. He belonged to the Lions Club for many years and was the chapter president in Orangevale, Calif., for several years. He lost his daughter Janice (Katie) Conlon earlier this year. He is survived by his son, Herschel Eugene; four grandchildren; and six great-grandsons.

Tags: veteran