Dec 7, 2012

John W. Wright, 65, of Lake Orion, Mich., passed away Friday, November 30, 2012.

He was born October 21, 1947, in Washington, a son of the late John M. and Dorothy Bennett Wright.

Mr. Wright was the loving husband of 36 years to Judy; dear father of Andrew (Katie), Kelly (Adam), Casey (Brian) and Emily (Josh); brother of Gary (Patty) Wright and Linda Wright Craft; and son-in-law of Jean Montgomery.

After graduating from Washington High School in 1966, he voluntarily enlisted for the U.S. Army, serving from 1968 to 1969 as an air traffic controller in Pleiku, E5 sergeant first class. He was the proud recipient of many awards, most notably the Bronze Star, a medal only given for bravery and valor in combat. He was in the Reserve until 1972. Honorably discharged, he returned to Pennsylvania, where he attended Community College of Beaver County, completed flight school and worked as a flight instructor.

He designed and oversaw construction of the educational air traffic control tower, the first of its kind in the country. During this time, he met the love of his life, Judy. The couple were married in 1976.

Mr. Wright became a career pilot certified in more than a dozen corporate aircraft, piloting for more than 40 years, before retiring in Michigan.

He and his wife were recently honored as “Michigan Foster Parents of the Year,” having provided 54 foster babies a loving home since 2001, many of whom were medically fragile, abused or neglected.

Mr. Wright’s family will remember him for his strong faith in God, constant support of his family and unwavering sense of humor, even through his struggle with aggressive lung cancer in the last few months of his life.

Services were held in Michigan last week. The family will be receiving guests, in his hometown, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 10, in Cremation and Funeral Care by Danielle Andy Belusko, 3287 Washington Road, McMurray, PA 15317, 724-655-4035, followed by inurnment with full military honors at 11 a.m. in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township. Please view and sign the family’s guest book at www.cremationfuneralcare.com. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the foster agency the Wrights served: Ennis Center for Children, 129 East Third Street, Flint, MI 48502.