John was born at home in Laurel, Mississippi on June 18, 1947, as the third child to parents John Wright and Sarah Wright. He attended Oak Park High School, Class of 1966. Throughout his school years he played trumpet in the high school band, worked as a lifeguard at the Oak Park swimming pool, and was mentored by shop teacher Mr. Jeff Rocket, who first introduced him to the field of engineering.
Immediately after high school John enlisted in the United States Army. He had the foresight to enlist on his own accord, as opposed to being drafted, so that he may select his Military Occupational Service (MOS). His chosen MOS was Aviation-Electronics. During the Vietnam era, he was stationed within the Demilitarized Zone on the Korean Peninsula, where he served as a Specialist Technician/Microwave Radiation Repairman. John remained proud of his military service and always spoke highly of it. After the military John passed through California to visit his older sister Helen, and never left. He obtained employment with Diebold, Inc. (now Diebold-Nixdorf) as a service technician in the early days of ATMs and later transitioned into lower management. He spent 24 years with Diebold. John later worked as an Office Manager with Artsons Wire Manufacturing, overseeing the accounting department and human resources. He remained there for 17 years before retiring.
John and his wife Philena Wright resided in their home together in Moreno Valley since 2002. They lived happily for 29 years, enjoying lots of traveling.
John raised three daughters Raquel Elena Wright, Yvette Fonseca Graham, and Cristina Fonseca Sukal. He had one grandson Jonathan Hall Wright from his daughter Raquel and five grandchildren, Christopher John, Gabrielle, Jack, Seth and Luke from daughter Cristina. All of whom he loved and cherished.
When it came to hobbies and personal interests, John’s list was extensive. While his children would say he knew everything, he’d simply smile and reply “I know what I know.” He loved and knew a lot about nature & science, electronics & technology, hunting & fishing, skiing & swimming, Star Trek, model rockets, photography, astronomy, and more.
John is survived by his wife, Philena Merry Wright; his daughter, Raquel Elena Wright; his grandson Jonathan Hall Wright; three sisters, Sarah Helen Wright, Emma Jean Brent, Margaret Elizabeth Finley; his brother, Charles Matthew Wright, and a host of nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, James Wright, and Lawrence (Larry) Wright; and his baby sister Zelma Crump.
A graveside service is scheduled for 1:15 p.m., Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at Riverside National Cemetery. The funeral procession will leave from Miller Jones Mortuary-Moreno Valley 23618 Sunnymead Blvd., Moreno Valley, CA at 12:30 p.m.
The family suggests donations to the Inland Caregiver Resource Center (www.inlandcaregivers.org): P.O. Box 2266, Colton, CA 92324.
Miller Jones Mortuary in Moreno Valley is handling arrangements.
John was a lifelong learner who found great joy in sharing knowledge with those around him. He had a profound impact on everyone he met and will be forever cherished by many.
