Michael David Wright

Michael David Wright, 68, passed away peacefully in Tallahassee, Florida on Sunday, March 22, 2026, after a sudden illness. His life exemplified the virtues of kindness, intelligence, a good sense of humor, and always looking at life from a positive perspective, even when faced with challenges.

Michael was born in Colon, Republic of Panama, on November 6, 1957 to Joseph Edgar Wright and Carol Russon Wright. His father owned and operated Hermanos Wright, SA, a mechanical construction firm in Panama. His mother worked for the Panama Canal Company. Michael lived in Panama City, Republic of Panama, as a child until he relocated to the United States to attend St. John’s Jesuit High School in Toledo, Ohio. He briefly attended George Washington University before returning to Toledo to complete his studies at the University of Toledo, where he graduated with a degree in Spanish and political science in 1981.

Never a fan of cold weather, Michael relocated to Tallahassee, Florida in 1981, where he obtained a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from Florida State University. He worked as a transportation planner with the City of Tallahassee, Palm Beach County, the Florida Department of Community Affairs, and the Florida Department of Transportation. He retired from FDOT in 2022 after more than 35 years of public service.

Michael met Kathleen Barry, his future wife, in 1981 while they were both studying Spanish at the University of Toledo. After a six-year long distance courtship, they married on November 7, 1987, and resided in Tallahassee, where they raised their two children. At the time of his death, Michael and Kathleen had been married for 38 years. Among many of their shared interests was a passion for traveling, and they enjoyed trips to Panama, Spain, Portugal, and throughout the United States. They also shared a love for the Spanish language and Spanish and Latin American culture.

Known for his dry wit and kind heart, Michael never met a stranger and had a gift for making friends wherever he went. Above everything else, he was devoted to his family and was happiest when spending time with his wife and children, whether on one of the many family trips to Disney World, volunteering at his children’s schools, supporting his children’s various activities and interests, or just hanging out at home. He was blessed with a daughter-in-law whom he loved dearly. He loved gardening, reading, a good political debate, enjoying a beer with friends, the family’s many cats (all rescues), and spending time in the mountains of North Carolina or at the Gulf Coast.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother, Charles Richard. He is survived by his wife Kathleen, daughter Caroline Wright (Caroline Browning) of Asheville, North Carolina, son Charles Wright of Tallahassee, brother Joseph Albert Wright (Elisa) of Bloomington, Minnesota, sister Coleen Causey (Robert) of Madison, Florida, three nieces and a nephew, and eight great-nieces and nephews. He will be missed and lovingly remembered by his family and many friends.

A private memorial service celebrating Michael’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages those wishing to honor Michael to make donations to Big Bend Hospice, which provided extraordinary care at the end of his illness.