Melvin O Wright

Melvin Oscar Wright, Mel, from Chevy Chase, MD, passed away on July 22, 2025, at 96 years old. Mel was born in Stanley, Virginia on July 29, 1928, to Elsie Beck Wright and Melvin Paul Wright. He grew up in Washington, DC, graduated from Calvin Coolidge High School and earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Maryland in 1951.

Mel was immediately commissioned as 1st Lieutenant in the US Air Force and was assigned to Dover Air Force Base as an auditor. He was known on the base as “Junior”, for being the youngest auditor on the base and served from 1951-1953.

Mel began his career in finance with Rouse, Brewer, Becker & Bryant in Washington, DC. The firm was later acquired by Reynolds Securities Inc. and Mel oversaw the expansion of offices locally and throughout the Southeastern region. Reynolds subsequently merged with Dean Witter and was ultimately acquired by Morgan Stanley. Mel retired after over 40 years in wealth management as a Senior Vice President. He served for over a decade on the board of Smithfield Foods as head of the Pension and Investment committees.

Additionally, Mel received a distinguished award for service from 1980-81 as Chairman of the Securities Industry Institute at The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Mel also served on the board of Citizens Bank of Maryland and The Bullis School in Potomac, MD. He was a huge supporter of the Second Genesis program in Bethesda, MD.

He married the love of his life, Jean Charuhas Wright, almost 65 years ago and resided in Chevy Chase, MD. He was known as Marmaduke and Kingfish by his 3 children, Bryan, Heather and Randy. His 6 grandchildren, Catherine, Johnny, Emily, Patrick, Lucy and Roman fondly called him Poopah.

He spent many summers with the family in Avalon, NJ and over the years owned homes in Bryce Mountain, VA and Easton, MD. He and Jean loved their annual ‘adult’ trip with dear friends to St. Barth’s where Mel was affectionately known as Nikita for his spirited and fun-loving persona. He was an avid Train collector and built his annual outdoor display for the entire neighborhood to enjoy at Christmas.

He was predeceased by his sister, Elaine Brown, and his son, Jon Wright. Mel died of complications from dementia and had been in the loving care of Kensington Park Senior Living at the time of his death. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of any flowers, donations may be sent to Mel’s favorite charities, St. Jude and Samaritan’s Purse.