Joseph Eugene Wright

He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Mary Lee Wright; his daughter, Rebecca Elizabeth Wright Coleman (Leonard); his step-son, Kurt Daniel Smith; his grandchildren, Miranda Borghese, Noah Borghese, Zachery Dax Smith, Braxton Leigh Smith, and Izabella Marie Smith and three great grandchildren; his brother, William Harold Wright (Debbie); his sister, Connie Lou Wright Macrides; his former wife, Sue Wright, mother of Rebecca; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald Eugene Wright and Josephine Lucille Melching Wright; and by his siblings, Ruth Eileen Wright Brooks and Gerald Gene Wright.

Joe served honorably in the United States Army during the Vietnam era and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Service Medal. He later built a distinguished career in Information Technology with the Bureau of Land Management, retiring as Deputy Director of the National IRM Center. A scholar throughout his life, he pursued higher education at Stanford University and Ohio State University, earning BA, MA, and PhD degrees. Among his proudest professional accomplishments were earning his Ph.D. and serving as a college professor.

Joe was a man of both intellect and imagination. He loved writing fiction, hiking in the mountains, and reflecting on memories, meaning, and the shape of a life. He was proud to have completed three novels and two poetry books, and to have climbed 14,000-foot mountains. He treasured being part of the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren as they grew.

He found great enjoyment in music ranging from the Beatles, Cream, Janis Ian, and Patsy Cline to Mozart and Beethoven. For remembrance, he requested “Amazing Grace.”

Joe will be remembered as an intelligent, imaginative, and deeply thoughtful man whose life was shaped by service, scholarship, writing, curiosity, and love. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

A Committal Service will take place on April 20, 2026 at 12:30 PM at Fort Logan National Cemetery where funeral honors will be rendered.

There will also be a Celebration of Life Service on May 16th, 2026 at 11:00 AM at West Lawn Cemetery in Canton, OH. The 7th Street entrance is closed, please use the entrance on 4th Street.