Robert H. Wright III

Dear husband of 58 years, father, grandfather, uncle and friend with an unforgettable smile - died at Inova Fairfax Hospital on February 2, with the same grace and quiet courage he exemplified all his life.

Known as Bob to many (Poppa or Paco Bob to grandchildren) he will be missed greatly by wife, Sylvia Holt Wright; children, Charlotte (John Ealick), Rob (Laura Zwicker) and Alison (Tim Feehan); seven grandchildren, Frederick, Stephen and William Ealick, William and Cecilia Wright, Hugh and John Feehan; and adoring cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws. Parents, Robert Wright, Jr., M.D. and Ruth McLean, and siblings, Carolyn McGarity and William Wright, predeceased him.

Born in Phoebus, VA, Bob grew up in Hampton, VA going to Hampton High School and Virginia Tech, joining the U.S. Navy as an officer and earning aviation wings in 1958. As a Naval Aviator, Bob flew the A4 Skyhawk and A6 Intruder. Stationed in California, Japan, Virginia and Washington, DC, his Naval career spanning 25 years - including 17 uninterrupted years of flying with 300 daytime and nighttime carrier landings, six air medals, Vietnam service medal with four bronze stars and Naval Achievement. He was aboard USS Forrestal during its tragic fire in 1967. During the evacuation of Saigon in 1975 he was stationed on USS Midway, where he helped coordinate the arrival of refugees.

After the Navy, he continued in the defense industry, retiring in 2014. Bob was actively involved in his church, amateur radio, sports car restoration and annual family beach trips, where he excelled at making French toast and lasting memories. He adored spending hours with his children and grandchildren, perfecting Pinewood derby cars and science exhibits, teaching them to drive a manual transmission, waterski and fix anything with WD40. Above all, he loved his wife, Sylvia - and that constant love made their lives extraordinary.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, February 17 at Messiah United Methodist Church, 6215 Rolling Rd., Springfield, VA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob's name to the Missions and Outreach Ministry of Messiah United Methodist Church.

Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 10 at 1 pm at the Old Post Chapel on Ft. Myer. Burial with Full Military Honors will follow at Arlington National Cemetery.