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In memory of

Don "Rick" R Wright

Laurel

January 26, 1959 - September 7, 2021

Jan 26, 1959 - Sep 7, 2021

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On Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at 7:26 p.m., Don Ricardo Wright answered the call of his Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, at his home in Laurel, MD, after a short illness. Don, affectionately known as "Rick", was born on January 26, 1959 to Thomas and Vernell S. Wright at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC.

At an early age, Rick began his relationship with God. He faithfully attended Hunter Memorial Church (now called Real Power AME) in Suitland, MD with his parents. Rick could be seen every Sunday morning walking up the hill with the neighborhood kids to attend Sunday school. As an adult, Rick would later join and attend Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Laurel, MD. At Mt. Zion, Rick served as a Sunday morning Worship Leader and member of the Finance Committee. In recent months, Rick faithfully attended virtually, Mount Carmel Baptist Church in Princess Anne, MD, under the leadership of Pastor Carroll L. Mills. Rick took much pride in the relationship he developed with Pastor Mills where they would soon call each other brother. During a visit from Pastor Mills, on Sunday, July 4, 2021, Rick rededicated his life to Christ, received Holy Communion and was baptized.

Rick was raised in Prince George's County where he attended Woodley Knoll Elementary, Suitland Junior and Senior High schools. An avid lover of sports, he participated on the football and baseball teams at the Boys and Girls Club. After high school Rick attended Towson State University where he was a PhysEd major. Rick began his employment with the federal government in1980 working at various agencies until May 13, 1983, where he landed a position with the U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, Global Markets, Europe. Rick remained with the U.S. Department of Commerce for 39 years until his retirement on July 31, 2021. Rick gained many accolades for his hard work, kind spirit and dedication as Lead International Trade Specialist for the European Union (EU). "Preceding the widespread use of the Internet, in 1988 Rick developed and launched Commerce's Single Internal Market Information Service (SIMIS) to obtain, catalogue, and distribute information on the European Community's developing Single Market directives to U.S. companies, starting a library that hundreds of companies relied on to export. Rick was a key Commerce liaison to the Transatlantic Business Dialogue. He advocated for many years to minimize unnecessarily burdensome aspects of EU chemical and environmental legislation, while also counseling companies on how to prepare and comply. Over a period of 10 years, Rick addressed aspects of the EU's chemical regulation known as REACH, and he briefed industry groups, such as the ITACs, to provide them with information on developments and to understand the impacts on both large and small U.S. businesses. Rick served as the U.S. Commerce Secretariat for the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, ensuring that Commerce's delegates were prepared and coordinated for negotiating rounds. He also served as the Acting Director of the Office of the European Union, an office where he was deeply respected for his leadership, subject matter expertise, and dedication."

On August 12, 1989, Rick married the love of his life, Joyce Sterling, in a double ring ceremony in Marion, MD. Rick and Joyce shared a love and commitment to each other not understood by some but witnessed by many. To this union, they welcomed one son, Justin Tyler, on March 24, 1996. Rick adored his wife and son, his entire family meant the world to him. Rick and Justin were two peas in a pod and were almost inseparable. He and Justin took annual trips to Florida and other places for professional baseball's spring training. Rick never missed any game or event that Justin was a part of. Rick was Justin's biggest supporter always encouraging him to do his best and never allow people to place limitations on him. Beyond being father and son, they were best friends. Rick shared his passion of baseball by volunteering at Meade High School in Ft. Meade, MD during the time Justin played baseball. Rick was known and respected by Justin's friends, he was affectionately called "Coach" Wright. There was nothing that Rick would not do for those guys.

Rick was a die hard fan of Washington's football and baseball teams. On game day of the Washington Football team, you would find Rick watching the game with his dad or on the phone discussing every play. In 1991, Rick organized a fantasy football league for friends and colleagues. Rick took his role seriously as Commissioner and was very proud of the relationships developed as a result of the league. Just recently, Rick turned over the league to a very dear friend, Carlo Cavagna. It was of upmost importance to him that the league continue after he was gone. In loving memory, the league's name has been changed to the Don Wright Ultimate Fantasy Football League.

Rick leaves to cherish fond memories: his wife of 32 years, Joyce and one son, Justin of Laurel, MD; his parents, Thomas and Vernell of Clinton, MD; three sister-in-laws, R. Denise of Manokin, MD, Fay of Marion, MD and Charlene Sterling of Salisbury, MD; two brother-in-laws, Andricka Doane of Marlton, NJ and Goldsborough K. Sterling of Chase City, VA; three aunts, Mildred Stokes of Detroit, MI, Gwennette Johnson and Flora Mae Weaver of Siler City, NC.; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

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