Thomas R. Wright

1942 - 2026

Thomas Robert Wright, beloved son, husband, dad, and Pappy, passed away in the early morning hours of Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. Tom was born on Aug. 10, 1942, at Bellevue Hospital to Robert C. Wright and Marjorie E. Wright. He grew up in Sewickley and graduated from Quaker Valley High School in 1960. By his own many stories and tales, Tom dominated on both the basketball courts and baseball fields during those years. After high school, Tom attended Bucknell University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in business administration. During his college years, he met his future wife while working as a counselor at Camp Epworth Woods. He married Fay on Aug. 22, 1964, and later continued his education at Wake Forest University, earning his law degree. Following law school, Tom entered the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam, rising to the rank of Captain. After completing his military service, he returned home to begin his legal career with the Pittsburgh law firm of Reed, Smith, Shaw, and McClay, later working at U.S. Steel until his retirement. A deeply involved member of the Sewickley community, Tom served on the Quaker Valley School Board, the Sewickley United Methodist Church clock tower renovation committee, and the Sewickley Public Library Board. He also gave generously of his time as a coach and referee with Sewickley Area Soccer. An avid sportsman, Tom enjoyed playing on the men's paddle tennis teams at both the Edgeworth Club and the YMCA, as well as duckpin bowling, tennis, and golf. He proudly recounted his one and only hole-in-one when, according to Tom, he hit a 600-yard drive into hurricane-force winds, uphill on a par five, with the ball inevitably finding the cup. Tom found great joy in backyard gardening and delighted in sharing his tomatoes and peppers with friends and neighbors. He spent countless hours following the ups and downs of Pittsburgh sports teams and never missed a chance to attend his grandchildren's sporting events. Traveling was another passion, especially trips to the beach, where he loved watching pelicans fly in formation and dive for food. Known for his "special" fun drinks, Tom was also a favorite during games of LCR, where the grandchildren always tried to sit beside him because his famously bad luck often meant good fortune for everyone else. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Marjorie. He is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Fay; his brother, Roger, and sister-in-law, Pam; his sons, Dan (Rebecca) and Ben (Melissa); and his daughter, Jessica (Dan). He leaves a lasting legacy through his grandchildren, Meghan, Noah, Max, Luca, and Lila; as well as step-grandchildren, Cody, Lynsey, Catcher, KayLeigh, and Raigan; and step-great-grandchild, Ava. Honoring Tom's wishes, no traditional funeral will be held. A celebration of his life will take place at a later date. His ashes will be laid to rest at Sewickley Cemetery in a plot he personally selected for its view. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Tom Wright's memory to the Sewickley Public Library. Tom's humor, generosity, and dedication to his community will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Rest in peace, Pappy. Arrangements are entrusted to RICHARD D. COLE FUNERAL HOME LTD., 1316 Fourth Ave., Coraopolis, PA 15108. To leave a memory of Tom, visit our website: www.richarddcolefh.com.