David E. "Dave" Wright

David E. Wright. 65, of Solomons, MD died on January 31, 2019. He is survived by his brother Richard A. Wright of Alexandria, VA and his stepmother, Joyce M. Wright of Poquoson, VA. Dave was preceded in death by his mother, Hope Dahl Wright and father, Howard T Wright. Dave was born in Hempstead, Long Island, New York. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in philosophy with honors from the University of Wisconsin which propelled him to Naval Aviation Officers Candidate School at Pensacola, Fla. Upon earning his wings as a Naval Flight Officer, Dave flew as tactical operator and mission commander in the S-3 Viking anti-submarine aircraft for the next 10 years. He deployed several times aboard the aircraft carrier America. Dave transitioned from active duty to the Navy reserves, flying similar missions in the P-3 Orion, where he retired as a Commander. Since 1986 he worked for Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, MD supporting S-3 and F/A-18 aircraft flight test, until retiring in June 2018. Dave was an avid and accomplished photographer throughout his life. This hobby started in his early teens and included developing his own negatives and pictures. His vacations often centered on his photography, promoting travels not only throughout the US, but around the world, in search of “the perfect shot”. Dave was also a passionate and educated astronomer, and loved to sit and gaze at the evening stars with friends and family, with many facts and stories shared. Among Dave’s greatest passions was playing golf with his friends which included group trips to historic golf locations in US and abroad. But most of all, Dave enjoyed being with his wonderful friends for an evening out. Dave will be sorely missed, but never forgotten. A celebration of Dave’s life will be held at the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home in Leonardtown, MD on February 16, 2019 with visitation at 1:00PM and a service at 2:00PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650 or the charity of your choice.