Danville founder dies at 56
By Lea Blevins, STAFF WRITER
Article Last Updated: 10/17/2007 02:36:18 AM PDT


DANVILLE — John S. Wright, one of the founders of the Town of Danville when it incorporated in 1982, died Friday, Oct. 12, 2007.
Wright, 56, died due to complications of ALS, often referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease.

Born July 30, 1951, Wright grew up in Danville, where he always made his home. He was a graduate of Monte Vista High School.

He was appointed to the town's first Planning Commission in January 1983 and served for 10 years.

Kimberly Wright, his wife of 16 years, said he was "absolutely" proud of his service to Danville and maintained friendships with a number of town leaders.

Former Contra Costa County Supervisor Millie Greenberg joined Wright as an original member of the Danville Planning Commission.

"John was smart, articulate and spoke straight to the point," Greenberg said.

Town Councilman Newell Arnerich also described Wright as articulate and talked about his knowledge of land use issues. The original commission Wright served on helped create a number of town ordinances regarding open space and ridgeline preservation, Arnerich said.

"Making Danville a unique, wonderful small town was part of his vision, and he was willing to stand up for that," he said.

A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, Wright was a successful real estate broker and developer for more than 30 years.

Town Manager Joe Calabrigo said he knew Wright for more than 20 years and worked with Wright's real estate

company as a consultant before acquiring a position with the town.
"He was always a person of the highest integrity and someone I considered a friend and a contemporary," Calabrigo said.

Outside of his professional life, Kimberly Wright described her husband as a modest family man, something agreed upon by friends and colleagues.

He coached CYO basketball for his daughter's team and helped his sons in various sports.

"He was a very humble and private man, and he was always willing to help others," Kimberly Wright said.

In his spare time, Wright enjoyed hunting and fly-fishing, typically in Redding. He loved to tinker with his two vintage Ferraris from the late 1960s.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, John Clayton, Casey Joseph, Samuel Thomas, Erin Marie and William Nelson; his siblings, Jim and Linda Wright; and his niece, Tricia.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Isidore Church, 440 La Gonda Way, Danville. The Wrights were members of the parish.

Donations may be made to the ALS Association online or mailed to 27001 Agoura Road, Suite 150, Calabasas Hills 91301.


Lea Blevins covers Danville, Alamo, Blackhawk and Diablo. Contact her at 925-847-2141 or

lblevins@bayareanewsgroup.com.