Harvey Weston Wright Jr.

Wright, Harvey Weston Jr.
Born June 29, 1924 and passed away in the loving arms of his family on January 10, 2003 after a brave fight with emphysema. He is survived by his wife of almost 54 years, Mary Jo, his sons Kenneth Wright, M.D. (Donna) of Rolling Hills Estates, Howard Wright, D.M.D. (Victoria) of St. Louis, MO, daughters Karen Cole, (Greg) of Newport Beach, Joanne Wright of Santa Barbara, Claire Brettell, D.M.D. (Steven) of Mission Hills, KS and Lisa Hannon of Thousand Oaks. He was known as "Grandfather" to fourteen grandchildren, Jamison, Matthew, Lisa Marie, Michael, Andrew, Katie, Thomas, Angela, Jessica, Steven, Jack, Nicole, Clara Jane and Kelly Jo. He was a proud "Uncle Harvey" to his many nieces and nephews. Harvey was born in Colon, Panama. After graduating from Balboa High School, he left Panama and entered California Institute of Technology in Pasadena until December of 1942 when he enlisted in the U. S. Navy. He was honorably discharged in March of 1946 after serving in the Asiatic-Pacific Area and receiving the Victory Medal of World War II. He returned to Cal Tech, graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1948, followed by post-graduate studies at the University of Southern California. His career in the aerospace industry culminated at TRW Space & Technologies Group in Redondo Beach where he was involved in everything from the Apollo Space Missions to artificial heart valve development. Harvey retired from TRW at 55. After a fortuitous foray into the steel manufacturing business, Harvey and Mary Jo were able to then travel extensively for many years, visiting family and friends across the United States and throughout Europe, Mexico and of course, Panama. A long-time resident of Redondo Beach, he enjoyed SCUBA diving, swimming and sailing. He loved everything from John Wayne movies to mah-jong, but most of all he loved his family. Visitation will be on Friday, January 17 from 5-9 pm and the funeral mass will be on Saturday, January 18 at 11:00 am at the San Fernando Mission Catholic Mortuary, 11160 Stranwood Avenue, Mission Hills. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wright Foundation for Pediatric Ophthalmology. 8631 West Third Street, Suite 304 E, Los Angeles, CA 90048.