Westley Randolph Wright - Obituary

estley Randolph Wright, born April 7, 1960, was called home to our Lord on Thursday, October 4, 2024, after a fourteen-year battle with cancer. Westley was born at Washington Hospital Center in Washington, DC to the late John Delmas (JD) and Wilanda Ray (Pat) Wright. He spent his childhood in Washington, DC and Prince Georges County, Maryland. He was raised in the Catholic Faith and attended St. Gabriel Elementary School and St. Mary’s Catholic School in Landover Hills. A proud Purple Eagle, he graduated from the Gonzaga College High School in Washington, DC in 1978 and began his collegiate career at Marquette University. Throughout his youth, Westley was consistently involved in school and community sports and extracurricular activities that enhanced his knowledge of the world, including summer internships at the Naval Surface Warfare Center White Oak in Silver Spring and Kauai, Hawaii. Westley transferred from Marquette and graduated from Howard University in 1986, earning a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. While at Howard University, he pledged the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and crossed on August 20, 1983, the sole survivor of his pledge line. During high school and college, Westley forged many lasting friendships and built strong relationships with friends he considered to be his brothers and sisters. Westley began his professional career in the federal government working as a Project Engineer at the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR). Shortly thereafter, he met his wife, Karen Addison. They were married on August 24, 1991, and their union produced two beautiful daughters, Hillary Morgan and Jillian Nicole. Westley and Karen were married for 33 years. Westley loved these three women dearly, and their lives together were the most important aspect of his life. An original “girl dad” he was immensely proud of his daughters' talents and accomplishments. Westley earned his Master of Business Administration at Marymount University in 1993 while working at NAVAIR. After leaving NAVAIR, he worked at the U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters followed by the Federal Aviation Administration. He worked as a manager, in the Technology Development & Advanced Concepts Division until his death. Westley loved his job and work family. He valued his team’s individual and collective accomplishments and advocated for their career advancement. Westley enjoyed life! He was a devout Catholic whose deep faith was evident in every aspect of it. A passionate sports fan, he particularly loved football, golf, and basketball. He was OBSESSED with LSU football and attended a few games while his youngest daughter, Jillian attended college there. He loved to spend time surrounded by family and friends. Friendships were the bedrock of his being, and he treated each relationship in a special way. The words that best describe his life are faith, family, and friends. Westley is predeceased by his parents, JD and Pat Wright. He is survived by his wife, Karen Wright of Mitchellville, Maryland; daughters, Hillary (Tylesa) of Washington, DC and Jillian of Brooklyn, New York; brother, Jeffrey (Lenka) Wright of Felton, Delaware; aunts, Violet Ray Jamison and Shirley McDonald; father- and mother-in-law, Wilbur and Aurella; brother-in-law, Brian; nieces, Bernitta, Janal, Amber, and Taylore; as well as many loving cousins and great-nephews. A wake will be held at Kalas Funeral Home (6160 Oxon Hill Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745) on October 21 from 6-8 PM. At 7 PM, there will be a ceremony by Westley's fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma, Inc. On October 22, a viewing will be held from 10 AM followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church: 2020 St Josephs Dr, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774. Interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery: 8000 Woodyard Rd, Clinton, MD 20735. The Homegoing Services will conclude as family and friends are invited to join a repast at St. Joseph Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation and/or The American Cancer Society