Aurora, ILRichard D. Wright, 71, of Aurora, IL and formerly of Rockford, died peacefully, Sunday afternoon, July 5th, 2009 in his home after a five month battle with pancreatic cancer. Dick was born August 14, 1937 in Rockford, the son of James M. and Mildred E. (Lundine) Wright. He graduated from Rockford West High in 1955. Dick attended the University of Illinois and was an avid Illini fan. He married Bev Boase in 1957, she died in 1980. Dick and Bev have four daughters; Sheri Wright of Rockford, Teri (Joe) Reynolds of Rockford, Elizabeth Schele of Valparaiso, IN and Ellen (Lincoln, III) Rootes-Rodman of Algonquin, IL. Dick married Patricia Terranova on July 23, 1993 and finally got a son, Jeffrey R. (Cathy) Armstrong of Hinsdale. Together there are 14 grandchildren, Justine, Grace and Seth Reynolds, Amy Thom, Jennifer, Brianna, Courtney and Christian Schele, Campbell and Tatum Armstrong, Ashley and Evan Rootes, Lauren Rodman and Lincoln Rodman IV. Dick is also survived by his brother, Gary (Tammy) Wright of Rockford and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents and first wife Bev.Over the years, Dick was National Sales Manager for several companies before becoming founder and president of his own companies in the material handling industries. Dick appreciated the support of those he worked with. He is a member Grace United Methodist Church, Naperville, Tebala Shrine Temple. Dick served our country in the US Marine Corp and loved his country.

Memorials can be given to the Disabled American Veterans or Support Our Troops organizations, in Dick's memory.