Larry Vern Wright, 84, of Naperville, Illinois and Bonita Springs, Florida, passed away peacefully in his home on August 30, 2024, after a courageous battle against a complicated illness.
Larry was born in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, on February 20, 1940 to Velma and Vern Wright. He is preceded in death by his loving wife Lori, his parents, his siblings, Harold, Bob and Joyce, and by his faithful fur babies, Sneakers and Jane.
Larry is survived by his loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless adoring friends.
As a boy, Larry attended a one-room country schoolhouse during his elementary years. He was a Boy Scout, and a 4-H member who proudly showed his father’s Hereford Cattle at the County Fair. Later, Larry went on to graduate from Mount Pleasant High School where he was thought of as, “the smartest kid in the class.” Affectionately known as “Tank,” Larry was also an offensive tackle for his high school football team.
Larry attended the University of Iowa and graduated with a degree in Accounting.
He became a CPA and immediately went to work for Price Waterhouse post graduation. Three years later, Larry landed a job at a holding company called Millbank. Larry managed, bought and sold companies for over 40 years with Millbank.
Larry was an avid golfer, fisherman, hunter, snow skier, scuba diver, multi-engine pilot, and most importantly, an “Iowa Farmer.” Larry’s love of his sports teams was evident from his unwavering support for his Iowa Hawkeyes, the Chicago Bears and the Chicago Cubs.
Larry lived a full and fruitful life, but remained a humble, kind and generous man who showed compassion for others. He used much of his resources to support many charitable organizations, including his alma mater, the University of Iowa, while also serving on their Board of Directors. Larry and his wife, Lori, also served others by donating their time to such programs as The Young Eagles (a program that offers free first flights to children in an effort to inspire future pilots), and Angel Flight /Lifeline Pilots (transporting children who are ill to places of hope & healing).
Thank you to everyone who spent time visiting Larry in the hospital, the rehab center, and at his home. Your friendship and support meant the world to Larry.
A special thanks to Joan Nyakairu, Larry’s caregiver for her 24/7 care to Larry in his final days.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Larry’s name to The First United Methodist Church of Downers Grove.
Visitation Friday September 6, 2024 from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. followed by an 11 A.M. Funeral Mass at The First United Methodist Church of Downers Grove 1032 Maple Ave., Downers Grove, IL 60515. Interment Forest Home Cemetery in Mt. Pleasant Iowa on Sunday September 8, 2024 at 12 PM. Arrangements entrusted to Cappetta’s West Suburban Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Downers Grove. Info 630-852-8000 or westsuburbanfh.com