Wesley Wright Jr. ’51

Wes graduated from the Lawrenceville School before heading to Princeton and earned a degree in chemistry with honors. A member of Elm Club, he roomed with Dick Swain and Matt Werth and shared labs with John David.

After graduation, he served in the Navy and then earned a master’s degree in chemical engineering from MIT. After a brief stint at DuPont, he joined his father-in-law, Henry Clay Hofheimer II, in his concrete business, Southern Materials. Together, they collaborated successfully for decades in residential and commercial construction in Virginia.

Wes was a tireless alumni volunteer. He first volunteered for the Schools Committee, then for Annual Giving, and later in regional and class affairs. He served as chair of the Alumni Council from 1981 to 1983 and class president from 1985 to 1991. In recognition for his contributions, he received the Harold H. Helm ’20 Distinguished Service Award in 1995 and the Alumni Council Service to Princeton Award in 2014. Beyond the University, he applied his fundraising and leadership skills to a host of nonprofits and had a second career of service for more than 30 years.

Wes died Sept. 8, 2025, peacefully at home with his family by his side. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Elise; his children Elise ’83 (Sarah) and Wesley ’90 (Melissa); and his grandsons Wesley and Alistair ’27.