Major Alexandro Marcellus Wright

Major Alexandro Marcellus Wright passed away on June 19, 2026.

Born on January 31, 1959, in Nuremberg, Germany, Alex was the son of Brigadier General Lawrence S. Wright, U.S. Army, and Italian-born Anna Maria Wright Salisbury. He inherited a deep sense of duty and honor from an extraordinary lineage of military leaders. He was raised throughout Germany, France, and the United States during his father's military postings, and developed a lifelong appreciation for service, leadership, travel, and international culture.

Alex attended several schools in his formative years but he was most proud of attending T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria, Virginia, the school later made famous by the film “Remember the Titans”. Following in his family's tradition of military service, he earned his bachelor's degree from VMI, the Virginia Military Institute, and later a Master of Military Studies degree from the Marine Corps Command and Staff College in Quantico, Virginia.

Alex entered active duty in the United States Army in August 1981 and served with distinction as a Field Artillery officer for twenty years. His assignments took him throughout the United States from coast to coast, as well as many stations overseas in Western Europe.

Major Wright retired honorably from active duty in August 2001. His military decorations included the Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Achievement Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon (Second Award), and the Parachutist Badge.

Following his retirement, Alex embraced life with the same passion and enthusiasm that had defined his military career. He lived the spirit of La Dolce Vita—the quintessential Italian art of living well and looking good while doing it. Though Alex enjoyed the finer things in life, he came to define success not by awards, medals, or rank, but by the love of his family and friends.

He will be remembered not only as a proud soldier and officer, but also as a devoted husband, father, son, brother, friend, mentor, and unwavering source of strength to those fortunate enough to know him.

He is survived by his wife, Toni; his children, Lawrence (Anh), and Anna; his sisters, Linda (Dario) Pignedoli, Gina (Kevin) Hill, and Laura (Rick) Louden; and his lifelong friend and fellow soldier, Major Paul Crane, along with many extended family members, friends, and colleagues. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, and his brother Gary L. Wright.

A private celebration of life for close family and friends will be held at the Alta Club in Salt Lake City, Utah.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Homeless Veterans Fellowship at homelessveterans.org, or a veterans charity of your choice.

Though he has departed from our sight, his legacy of service, strength, kindness, and devotion to family and friends will remain with us always.

In his memory: "Now We Are Free" – Hans Zimmer & Lisa Gerrard.