On November 27, 2019, Richard Percy Wright, 73, answered the Master’s call and peacefully went home to be with the Lord. His life began Sept. 20, 1946, the son of the late Percy Richard and Lillian Mae Wright, in Bronx, New York.
He attended the New York City Public Schools, where he excelled as an honor student. Upon graduation, he received an academic scholarship to attend Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, from which he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science.
Richard later moved to Stamford, Connecticut, where he met and married Minister Deborah V.P Wright, who went home to be with the Lord Sept. 15, 2012. Together, they had the privilege of parenting three children. Richard, Deborah and their children were faithful members of Faith Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church in Stamford, Connecticut, where he served as a member of the trustee board and sang in the Male Chorus and Inspirational Choir. Richard relocated to Williamsburg, where he attended Colossian Baptist Church in Newport News and served in the choir.
Richard had a heart for community service and held many positions in service of his fellow citizens of Stamford, including president of the Stamford Chapter of the NAACP. He was also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., and volunteered and mentored for many years at the substance abuse rehabilitation program called Liberation House. He worked and served the state of Connecticut as a court officer in the Department of Child Support until his retirement in 2013. While living in Stamford, Richard became an avid collector and scholar of African-American comics. His extensive collection now resides at the College of William & Mary, Williamsburg. Richard had a large circle of friends and acquaintances who he touched with his words of wisdom and helpful spirit.
Richard was preceded in death by his sister, Theresa Wright.
Those remaining to cherish his memories are his son, Aaron Person; daughters, Joslynne S. Hamlet and Porchia M. W. Smith; six grandchildren, Jazmin Spruill, Xiare’ Person, Jordynn Hamlet, Reginald Hamlet Jr. and Alijah Smith; sister, Juanita Gissentaner (Christopher Gissentaner); and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
A funeral service to celebrate Richard’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 4, at Colossian Baptist Church, Newport News. Interment will take place Friday, Dec. 6, in Woodland Cemetery, Stamford, Connecticut. Family and friends to assemble at the church by 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday. Mr. Wright may be viewed on Wednesday beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the hour of his service.
Share online condolences with the family at Whiting’s Funeral Home.
