JOHN WILLIAM WRIGHT

John William Wright
August 26, 1940 – January 4, 2025

Bethel Park, PA – John William Wright, age 84, of Purcellville, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 4th, 2025, at Artis Senior Living in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania.

Born in Camden, New Jersey, on August 26, 1940, John grew up in Westville, NJ, where he developed a lifelong passion for the outdoors, especially hunting. At age 18, John enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served as a radio operator while stationed in Northern Japan and later in Turkey on the Black Sea. During his time in the Air Force, John faced the heartbreaking loss of his mother when he was just 19 years old, a tragedy that would shape his life in ways both profound and enduring.

In 1964, John married the love of his life, Margareta-Maria (Marge) Lombardi. Their union was built on love, faith, and shared values, and they raised a family together while John pursued a distinguished career. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Saint Joseph’s University while working at the U.S. Treasury Department, John joined Mobil Oil Corporation in 1965. He started in the mail room and worked his way up to managing all of Mobil’s Purchasing in Europe out of London, England.  After retiring at the age of 57, John returned to Manassas to enjoy his well-earned retirement.

An active and devoted member of the Episcopal Church, John served on vestries and as treasurer at various congregations, including Trinity Episcopal Church in Manassas, where he was known for his dedication to both his faith and his community. He was also passionate about his family and always took time to bond with his loved ones, whether through outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and hiking or quieter moments spent playing acoustic guitar and singing folk and classic rock songs (with “Puff the Magic Dragon” being a favorite amongst his Grandchildren). John was also a fierce competitor in Scrabble, often traveling for tournaments across the Mid-Atlantic region.

In 1998, John faced the heartbreaking loss of his beloved wife, Marge, after her battle with cancer. However, in 2005, he found love again with Sally Batchelor Wilson, whom he married, and they resided together on the scenic Mt. Weather in Paris, VA.

As his health began to decline, John moved to Pittsburgh to be with his son, Michael, and later transitioned to assisted living. Through it all, John remained a loving and devoted father, grandfather, and husband. He was known for his integrity, his constant support of his family, and his unwavering commitment to those he loved. He was a good provider, a loving husband, and a proud father to his sons, Michael and Matthew, with whom he shared a deep bond.

John is survived by his two sons, Michael Forest Wright (Christina) of Houston, PA, and Matthew Spencer Wright (Bella) of Orlando, FL, as well as four grandchildren, Abigail (Steven), Jacqueline, Sebastian, and Sascha; one great-grandchild, Lillian and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marge, and his parents.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, January 13th, at 11:00 AM at Trinity Episcopal Church, 9325 West Street, Manassas, VA 20110. A luncheon reception will follow the service. Burial will take place on Tuesday, January 14th, at 10:00 AM at Stonewall Memory Gardens.

John’s memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who were touched by his warmth, integrity, and kindness. He will be deeply missed.

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Trinity Episcopal Church in Manassas or to a charity of your choice.