Elbert James Whitright
Elbert “Bud” James Whitright, age 80, of Munson Township, Ohio, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Born May 19, 1945, in Bridgeport, Conn., Elbert moved with his family to Wickliffe, Ohio, at age 2, where they stayed with extended family while his father built their house in Munson, where they moved when he was 3 years old. He grew up in Munson surrounded by a lively menagerie of animals that sparked his lifelong love and respect for nature and creatures great and small.
A proud graduate of Chardon High School (class of 1963), Elbert began his working life with the New York Central Railroad Company. In September 1965, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving 16 months in Southeast Asia during a challenging time. Upon returning home, he applied his skills as an auto mechanic in Chardon for 13 years, followed by eight years with a service company. He then joined the State of Ohio Department of Public Safety/Highway Patrol, where he worked as a scale operator for portable scales and Motor Carrier Inspector, for 21 years until his retirement.
On Nov. 10, 1973, Elbert married Catherine McGeough and her three children, Chris, Connie and Lisa. They built a lively blended family and lived in Chardon until 2006, when they moved to Munson, where they resided happily ever since.
Elbert was an avid bowler who loved the clack of pins and the roar of a good strike. And he showed up for his community: Precinct Committeeman, Union Steward, elected official and lifelong proud Democrat. He believed in people, in fairness and in getting things done.
Elbert was preceded in death by his parents, his mother, Constance Elizabeth Whitright (née Tierney), and his father, Earl Bosworth Whitright, both of whom served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Catherine; his children, Chris (Belinda), Connie (Roy) and Lisa; his grandchildren, Megan (Eddie), Anthony, Christopher, Kylie (Mackenzie), Graham (Naujia), Collin, Veronica (Jose), Conner, Julianna (Andrew), Catherine (Justin) and Caden, and great grandson, Adrian, who all brought him endless joy; two beloved sisters, Julie Welcheck (Dan, deceased) and Karen (Chad) Demian; Teresa Davis, treasured caregiver and friend; and many extended family members and friends.
Elbert cherished time with his grandchildren and his cats, JoJo and Bootsie, along with fishing, bowling, tackling Sudoku puzzles and relaxing with television. His generous spirit and steady hands turned yarn into comfort—crocheted baby blankets, afghans, lap throws and dish cloths, little pieces of warmth he gave away without fanfare.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 2 p.m., at Community Church of Chesterland, 11984 Caves Road, Chester Township, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Disabled American Veterans (help.DAV.org); or the Community Church of Chesterland (ChesterlandUCC.org).
As long-time friend Beth reflected, “We’ll remember him sitting calmly in the center of the swirl of grandchildren and visitors, sharing his observations with understated humor, his signature mustache and his deep laugh.”
Elbert will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all whose lives he touched.
