Lawrence J. Wright, Jr

Lawrence “Larry” J. Wright Jr., age 93, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2022 surrounded by family and friends. Larry led a life of service, joining the US Army Air Forces at the age of 17 and went on to serve in the Air Force and the New Mexico Air National Guard for a total of 38 years. He enlisted toward the end of World War

II and served through the Korea and Vietnam eras. After he retired, he maintained close relationships with life-long friends, who considered him “the eternal optimist.” Whether it was pouring concrete, working on cars, or just having fun, his friends and family could always count on him. Often, he could be found with a spoon in hand, as he loved to cook spaghetti and enchilada dinners for various Air Guard events and family gatherings.

Larry was at home in the great outdoors. Camping, fishing, hunting—he did it all. Close friends, good food, and cold beer were always included, even in the most remote campsites. His greatest love was fishing, whether on a lake in .

New Mexico or Colorado or on his favorite river in Alaska. Larry’s enjoyment could be measured by the number of fish he caught, the amount of mud he got on his truck, and the numerous stories he shared. His life was well lived! He was preceded in death by his wife, Louise M. Wright. He is survived by his daughters Rebecca Welch and husband Jeffrey of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Karen Clark and husband Patrick of Anchorage, Alaska; Janet Molenda and husband John of Kaneohe, Hawaii; his son John L. Wright of Rio Rancho, New Mexico; and his brother Vincent Z. Wright of Naples, Florida. He is also survived by grandchildren Julie Singh, Gloria Gibula, Victoria Schwartz, John Michael Wright and Raquel Wright.

The family will celebrate his life on April 9th at 2PM at his home on 134 Sandia Road NW and we welcome friends. A military service will be on Monday April 11, 2:15 PM at the Santa Fe National Cemetery leaving him to rest with his “buddies.”