Lawrence Wright

On May 4, 2024, the word lost not only a distinguished figure in the realm of military intelligence business and corporate leadership, but also a beloved and respected husband, father, friend and colleague, with the passing of Lawrence (Larry) Thomas Wright at the age of 87.

A proud veteran of the United States Navy, Larry left law school to serve his nation. He enjoyed the mission and the camaraderie of military intelligence, where he had a very successful career. Larry rose through the ranks with remarkable speed, and he achieved the rank of Captain. Larry served in a number of pivotal roles including the Deputy Director of Naval Intelligence, the Director of the Naval Intelligence Processing Systems Support Activity and The Director of Naval Intelligence for the Pacific Fleet. Member of Defense Science Board for several years.

Following his travel career, Larry transitioned into the private sector, where his leadership and strategic vision made a profound impact as Vice President of BTG, Inc. and later as a Partner at Booz Allen Hamilton (BAH). Larry played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of the intelligence business. Larry grew the sector at BAH from a few million dollars in annual revenue when he was hired as an entry level partner to over half a billion in annual revenue when he retired as a Senior Vice President. More importantly, Larry built a strong, cohesive team and created a very positive work environment. He enthusiastically mentored junior staff members as well as promoted a record number of women to partner positions, a legacy that resonates within Booz Allen to this day.

Larry generously shared his talents, time and resources with those around him. He was a mentor for aspiring businessmen and women, both domestically and abroad, helping to nurture their professional growth.

Larry, a devoted Vagabond and world traveler, biked around Europe, solo, living on a dollar a day when he was 17. He never lost his enthusiasm for travel. Larry and his wife, Mary travelled the world together during more than 30 years. Diving the Great Barrier Reef, visiting Petra, Damascus, Israel and Palestine, riding elephants in Thailand, revisiting Vietnam as a tourist, cruising around six continents, going to cooking school in Morocco, France, Italy, Spain and Thailand and picking up friends and stories everywhere they went. And of course, his trips that included hunting and fishing in the US, Canada and Russia. Larry loved the outdoors. During his Vagabond days he visited 150 countries and was still eager to see more.

Always important to Larry was enjoying a meal with his friends and family and laughing out loud.

After retirement, he trained to be a Master Gardener in Virginia. Larry cultivated not only gardens but also a community of knowledge-sharing, generously imparting his wisdom to fellow enthusiasts. In addition to his professional and volunteer endeavors, Larry was a passionate reader who enjoyed vibrant discussions on literature and politics among his large circle of friends. His keen intellect and insatiable curiosity enriched these conversations.

Larry was a loving affectionate husband to Mary and a supportive and joyful father to Amy and Julie and he loved his grandchildren. Larry was a person who enjoyed spending time with family near and far, particularly amidst the picturesque landscapes of his beloved Jackson, Wyoming and Yellowstone National Park. He will be deeply, missed by his devoted family, colleagues and friends. Although Larry may have departed this world, his legacy of service, leadership and compassion will undoubtedly live on.

Larry was preceded in death by his sister, Sue Lewis of Montana. Larry is survived by his sister, Linda Wright of Washington State. He is survived by his wife, Mary Wright, his daughters, Julia Thompson and Amy Blonder of Virginia as well as several grandchildren.

He was interred in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors alongside the countless others who have served and sacrificed for our country.

In lieu of cards or flowers a donation made in Larry's name to benefit Yellowstone National Park, Native Fish Project at yellowstone.org or to the Navy Museum Development fund to support the construction of the new Museum to the US Navy at https://www.nmdf.org/donate.