Curtis Eugene "Gene" Wright

1942 - 2020

Gene Wright, a loving husband, father, and friend, passed away December 4, 2020 at the age of 78.

Gene was born in Brownwood, TX on September 6, 1942 to the late Curtis E. Wright and Rilda Mae (nee Cubbison) Wright. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1962 and enjoyed a 22-year career. Early on in his military career, while stationed at Ghedi Air Base near Brescia, Italy, Gene met the love of his life, Manuela Manenti, at a local party. They were married on January 9, 1967 and, over the course of the next 53 years, built a marriage and a family far beyond what Gene believed possible for himself when he was young. Gene and Manuela settled in Kent County, Delaware following his retirement from the Air Force in 1984. He embarked upon a second career, working for the Delaware Department of Correction for 16 years. During that time, he also taught as an Adjunct Professor at Wilmington University, where he had earned a Doctorate in Education in 1997.

Following his second retirement in 2002, Gene became an active member of the St. John the Apostle Roman Catholic Church in Milford, DE. He enjoyed working the grill at St. John's Oktoberfest fundraiser and serving as treasurer for the Parish Council. He was an avid fan of country music, a lover of books, and a master raconteur of dad jokes. But most of all, Gene loved spending time with his four beautiful grandchildren: Gabriel, Zachary, Alice, and Julian. Gene is survived by his wife Manuela; sons Christian (Karen) and David (Kelly); and his grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Carol (Bill) Nelon; brothers, Roger (Shirley), Ronald (Rae), and Larry; and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 am, Saturday, December 12, 2020 at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, 506 Seabury Avenue, Milford, DE 19963. Mourners are welcome, but registration is necessary due to COVID-19 restrictions, and guests must wear masks. Please call the Parish Office at 302-422-5123. Internment, with full military honors, will take place at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bear at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Ministry of Caring, Little Sisters of the Poor, or Faithful Friends Animal Society.