Terry Wright, beloved brother, uncle, friend, and sports fanatic, unexpectedly “left the game” before the 7th Inning Stretch on Tuesday, August 18 in the town he always proudly called home, Wilmington, Delaware.  He was 67.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Beverly and Jackson Wright; sister, Kelly Ryan; and his faithful canine-companion, Tucker.  Treasuring his memory are sister and brother-in-law, Kim and Terry Bolin; Kelly’s husband, Joe Ryan; nephew, Sean Ryan (Joelle); niece, Erin McGrath (Connor); great-nieces, Ellie and Keeley; and innumerable friends.  Terry will be especially missed by pups Mookie and Duffy.

Terry was an ardent believer in the power of democracy to effect positive change and began volunteering on political campaigns while still a student at Mount Pleasant High School. Following his graduation from American University, Terry served with integrity, distinction, and honor on the staff of then-United States Senator Joe Biden. Terry spent his entire 27-year professional career working with the Senator, rising quickly to the trusted position of executive assistant. He returned to Wilmington for his last five years of service as a special assistant on community initiatives impacted by federal law, regulation, and funding.

In retirement, Terry plunged into public service projects that kept him even busier than during his time on Capitol Hill. In addition to conducting U.S. Military Academy candidate interviews each fall, Terry was the founder and president of the Eastern Brandywine Hundred Coordinating Council, supporting historic conservation projects in northern Delaware, including the recent restoration of the 200-year-old Weldin House.

Terry was grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Board of Trustees for the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation, 2022-2025, including as Vice-Chair. Terry’s passion for American history was furthered by his association with the Delaware Heritage Commission, for which he researched, wrote, and executive-produced two documentaries: “Caesar Rodney’s Ride: The Story of Delawareans and the Declaration of Independence” and “Gettysburg and Delaware: The Story of Delaware, Delawareans, and the Battle That Determined America’s Future.”

Though he will be lauded for his many professional and civic accomplishments, Terry will be best remembered as an esteemed mentor and ideal friend, who never forgot a birthday or anniversary. In addition to being a wonderful uncle to Erin and Sean, Terry was godfather/honorary uncle/”Bonus Dad” to many of his friends’ children and grandchildren, their holiday gifts planned and executed with precision and whose milestone moments he never missed. Terry’s social calendar was packed with weddings, christenings, and graduations, traveling throughout the Lower 48 states to revel in the joys of his chosen family.

Terry unapologetically supported both the Yankees and the Phillies and steadfastly refused to respond to calls or texts when the Eagles played. He was a lifetime member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, spent many happy days at Walt Disney World, and delighted in every moment he shared with the many people he loved.

Terry’s life will be celebrated on September 1 at the Wilmington Drama League, 10 W. Lea Boulevard. Friends are invited to a reception at 11:00 a.m., with a memorial service from 12:00-1:00 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to sport their favorite teams’ colors.

Friends unable to attend in person may view the live streamed service HERE. https://youtube.com/live/Lb_8G4Q0yig?feature=share

In lieu of flowers, if you wish to honor Terry’s memory, the family suggests donations may be made to the animal charity of your choice or Brandywine Valley SPCA, https://bvspca.org/donate/donation-form