Gary Benjamin Wright

Gary Benjamin Wright was born on September 22, 1957 to Harold and Joan Wright in Merced, California. Gary passed away at home on March 23, 2015. Gary married the love of his life Lana Gonella-Wright in 1982. They spent most of their married life in Merced. Gary opened and operated a successful commercial and residential painting business. During his life as a painting contractor, Gary assisted in the rebuilding of the island St. Croix in the Virgin Islands after the devastation of Hurricane Hugo in the late 1980’s. Gary was an avid baseball player, and played for Merced High School from which he graduated in 1975.

His fondest memories were of growing up and spending time with his brother and friends at his grandfather’s ranch in El Nido. Gary could spend hours telling stories about the numerous family vacations, camping and fishing. Being taught by his father, fishing became his favorite pass time, along with riding his Harley.

Gary is survived by his mother, Margaret Joan Wright, his brother, Craig Wright, and his daughter, Heather. He is preceded in death by his wife of 33 years Lana Wright and his father Harold Wright.

Memorial service will be held on Friday, March 27, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home.