Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire WRIGHT family. Hold onto God's unchanging hands. May God bless and keep you. The BROWNs, Edwin, Michaia and Lezah

Thank you Brown Family. Love you Daddy and miss you terribly.

Lonnie was such a beautiful man father husband friend we love you all so much
Del Preore Girls

I was so saddened to hear of Lonnie's passing. He was a remarkable person, yet so unassuming. When I was a young teenager, Lonnie was my idol. I am so lucky to have gotten to know him.
My thoughts and prayers are with Johanna and Jazmine, two wonderful ladies. Rest in peace, Lonnie.

My condolences go out to the entire Wright family. I remember watching Lonnie playing for the Broncos and then met him when my daughter played for Johanna at Columubia HS.

My he rest in peace.

So sorry to hear of Lonnie's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with Johanna, Jazmine and the entire Wright family.
Bobbi, Barry, Allison and David Ostrowsky

If it weren't for the efforts of Lonnie Wright many minority physician would not be granted the opportunities which many take for granted. Mr. Wright sat on the admissions committee at the New Jersey Medical School to ensure that minorities were given a fair chance with all the adversities that we take to the table. He not only made sure we got into medical school but he made sure we stayed . His door was never closed unless he had a medical student he was counseling through rough times. I have developed a medical career based on the principles of Lonnie Wright in giving back to those less fortunate.I will always love Lonnie Wright. Thanks Lonnie Wright , for believing in this kid from East Flatbush, Brooklyn. My prayers go out to his immediate family and his large extended family.

The World lost a monumental man on Friday. May you rest in peace Mr. Wright. You have touched so many lives and you will continue to do so into eternity! I love you Mama Wright and Sis!

One of the greats

We are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. The Walentinys

Jo & Jazz,
My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family. I forgot how famous Lonnie was, although he was always a star, because he was always so humble. You guys are so blessed to have had such an angel in your life for such a short period of time.May God bless and keep you all during this difficult time.

All my love
Weeze

Jo,

Phyllis sent me the article about your husband. We send up prayers for comfort and peace that surpasses all understanding for you and your family during a time that only God knows what you all are truly experiencing. Our condolences.

Vivian and Shirley Terrell

Jazz, Johanna and family,
Our heartfelt condolences for your loss. Mr. Wright, as everyone knows, was a great athlete, but more importantly he was a great father and family man as we were able to see first hand during the AAU games and practices.You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Cori Harrington and family

I saw Lonnie play basketball in high school and knew I was watching one of the all time great players. I didn't know he would turn out to be such a great person in life also. RIP Lonnie Wright

Our prayers and thoughts are with the family. Lonnie's passing weighs heavy on our hearts.

Lana and Manny

My friends,
My deepest sympathy for my friend, your husband and dad. Know that I may have missed many years of sharing more good times, but never have you been forgotten.
Lonnie will always be part of me as his is you and others he touched.

I'm very sorry to hear of your loss. I have very fond memories of him teaching me to shoot free throws while attemtping to jazz scat - he always had a way of making what seemed impossible very possible - he always believed that you could do better & pushed you. He will be missed.

Cathy Evans

He was a legend and paved the way for many of us physicians of color. I can only hope to follow in his footsteps and be as great as an advocate like he was.
RIP Mr. Wright. My prayers go out to the family. May he give you peace and comfort during this time.
Dr Karma Brown Warren

May the Lord grant you peace in accepting His decision to take Lonnie home. You have been blessed more than most. Lonnie exemplified strength, family, love and honor. My prayers are with Johanna, Jazz and the rest of the family. The world knows that Lonnie Lived!

Coach Wright,
My prayers are with you, Jazmine, and all of your family. My God comfort you all in your loss. I have fond memories of your husband helping at practice.

- Iretta Coleman Kearse (Columbia HS '84, Girls Basketball & Cheerleading)

Jo, Jazz and the Wright family,
My buddy will be missed. I will continue to pray for your strength in this most trying of times. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. Love you guys.

Lisa Houston

Dear Mrs. Wright, our thoughts and prayers go out to you and the family.
Our deepest condolence from the Dixon family, Kiana, Bryce, Dylan, Keith and Tanya.

My deepest condolences to the Wright family. Lonnie was a very special man. He helped so many young men and women realize their dream of becoming a doctor -- more than that, they knew he was there whenever they needed a shoulder to cry on or a smiling face to share an achievement. When I came to NJMS in 1974, Lonnie was one of the first people to welcome me to the Admissions Office. I considered him a good friend, and we shared many laughs and commiserated about "getting older." I have missed him since his retirement, but feel fortunate to have known him. May your cherished good memories help you through this difficult time.

Harriette Waltner

Our deepest sympathy is with you. Lonnie is a legend and will be remembered by so many. We hope that your fond memories of him will help to ease your sorrow.
Sincerely, Judy, Ken, Adam and Jordan Levy

I often wondered why Mr. Wright always addressed me like we had been friends for years. He always had that warm friendly hello. I didnt know him that well that well but I felt like I did because of his kind disposition. It must have been that Newark connection...yeah yall dont know nothing bout that (smile). I really cant explain it but he was just special. Each time we were at the BB games he would have me in stitches. Mr. Wright was a special kind of man (one in a million, needle in a hay stack) who understood that love is the condition in which the happiness of another was essential to his own......We sooo badly need people like you Mr. Wright.. You will be deeply missed....tears R.I.P Mr. Wright

My deepest condolences to the Wright Family on the great loss of your husband, father and grandfather. My prayers are with you and also for Lonnie.

I attended Seton Hall Prep while Lonie was an All Stater at South Side. I would marvel at his fantastic performances during Essex County Tournament games - he was the greatest.

Then one day, a group of us were at the Boy's Club in Newark for a game - I cannot remember the name of the team we were to play - it has been 50 years - and as we warmed up - a hush came upon the teams and those watching - Lonnie Wright walked out onto the court.

I never played against a greater player - he was awesome in the game I played against him and in all games and in life. For over 50 years - I often have asked people - do you remember Lonnie Wright? And then I would say - I played against him once at the Boy's Club.

What is so wonderful about Lonnie is not all the thrills he gave to those who watched him play - and those who have for so many years bragged that they played with or against him - what is so wonderful is how he gave opportunity to so many and through the healing hands of those he mentored - Lonnie saved lives and created futures for countless others.

God bless you Lonie, we loved you and we do know where you are for surely, your Maker welcomed you with: Well done My Good and Faithful Servant.

Rest In Peace Good Man.

Pat Brannigan

This is truly a sad day. Dr Lonnie wright interviewed me for medical school ... He was fun easy and told me not to be nervous we were just chatting. He gave me the chance to show him why I wanted to be a doctor. Thank you dr. Wright for giving me the chance.

We're very sorry about your loss.
Jared Kofsky & Family

Just last night (synchronistically) I stumbled upon Robert Masin's excerpt of his book, "Swede: Weequahic's Gentle Giant" and I can't remember how/why I found it and then all of a sudden I was on page 177 reading all about Lonnie Wright who has been a hero of mine since growing up in the sixties in Newark. Lonnie Wright has always been a legend for me and how often when you get together with Newark and Weequahic alumni, Lonnie's name and achievements was always at the forefront. And how often I lamented that I never got a chance to meet him. And I read the passage about Lonnie last night twice, savoring the words of his greatness, and his being part of the 'Nifty Fifty' and so much more. Two hours ago I got a text message from a friend from Newark that Lonnie Wright had passed and I was deeply saddened. And I thought how special it was last night to have read all about him. So I just spent the last hour reading everything I could find about Lonnie and I marvel at his achievements at UMDNJ. To his family my deepest heartfelt condolences.

Thanks Lonnie for influencing my world as a teammate and roommate at CSU and in Denver. I loved to play one one against him after most practices(never beat him). Along our college journey I appreciated his tremendous talent but most of all his humble approach to life. At his induction into CSU Hall of Fame he showed his love of life and passion for others. Thank u Lonnie for your incredible spirit and impacting my journey. God Bless from Gary Montel '67'

Much love to the family of a true legend of our beloved South Side High School, the city of Newark, and all the Bulldog Nation across this country. You will be missed. Many years of love from Miller St.School till today.... Bob Silvera, a fellow Bulldog,Forever.......

I am one of the countless NJMS students who is a better person for knowing Mr. Wright. He was encouraging, inspiring, and a great role model. I met him as a graduate student at UMDNJ hoping to get in to medical school. I'm not a minority, nor from the inner-city, nevertheless he found time to counsel me and helped provide me with the opportunity to succeed. I'm not sure if he realized how thankful I am, how important his influence was for me. I've never met a more beloved person and am so grateful for knowing him.

My prayers go out to the Wright family. I am one of the countless NJMS students who sat many hours in Lonnie's office. I was just coincidentally telling my husband a story about him last week. He was always available to listen and to give advice. He made the difficult process of getting through medical school that much easier. He was a great man and will be extremely missed.
-Dr Jovita N Oruwari

Renee Enriquez, MD

Mr Wright supported me through my times at UMDNJ. Whenever difficulties and challenges confronted me, Mr Wright was always there to support me and was always on my side. He was always on the side of the student. He cared so much. God bless Mr Wright and his family. He has definitely earned his angel wings.

I remember Mr. Wright on my initial interview at UMDNJ and how at ease he made me feel. I knew then that this was the school for me. Thank you Mr. Wright for the opportunity to be a physician and for being an example of what a caring human being is all about. May you rest in God's peace and your family be comforted by the fact you made such a difference in many peoples lives including my own.
Lucky Flores, MD

I was one of those 2000. In 1987 i asked mr wright if i should pursue a football career? He said you weigh 175 lbs, in 2 yrs youll be out of the league and re applying. Thank God I took his advice and now i am an orthopaefic surgeon. He was our friend and our advocate, a true hero

Stan harrison class of 1991

Our prayers are with the Wright family. The McCombs Family

My dear friend mentor and brother. A true blessing to so many. Jo, Jas, thank u for sharing Lonnie with us.

We have lost a great man. But we can honor and remember him by pledging to lead our lives in the selfless way that he led his. Deepest sympathies go to his wife Johanna and the rest of the Wright family from me and the members of my family, Laura, Emily, Dave and Danny, who had the privilege of knowing him. Nick Ingoglia

I hadn't spoken personally with Lonnie since I left my employment with NJMS in 2006, however, I spoke OF him often. He was a giant of a man, not only by his physical stature but more so by the grace, character and dignity he carried and shared with ever step he took in life. All who knew him were blessed to share in his presence. He was and always will be as special as one could be. God bless you Lonnie and the entire Wright family. Jim Trotter

My prayers go out to the Wright Family.

Lisa Davis (mom of Marcus Jamison)

deepest condolences from Colorado...what a life, what a legend

My condolences to Johanna and family. I was in Weequahic High during the time that Lonnie was attending South Side. He was the premier athlete in Newark at the time, not simply participating in football,basketball and track,but excelling in all three. When I reminisce about the "good old days" of growing up in Newark with my two sons ,invariably Lonnie Wright will come into the conversation. As he rose above the basket in my memories, so did he continue throughout his life. RIP

May Lonnie Wright's memory serve as a blessing to those who loved him. May the G-d of peace and love surround your family at this trying time.
Lori Capellari-Neetz

Thank you For all the encouragement and support Mr. Lonnie Wright. I will see you in heaven

I am sorry to hear of your loss but please know God will keep you in his arms. I will always remember him, his brother Charles and their wonderful parents. Mrs. Wright was one of my role models who always encouraged us to strive for the best things in life and Lonnie followed in her footsteps. Mr. and Mrs. Wright along with my parents Deacon James and Deaconnes Ruth Melton were quite instrumental in making sure all their children achieve success in life. Lonnie was a success because he truly cared about others. Remember to celebrate his memory and the love he had for you.

Lonnie you were one of my heroes growing up in south Denver may god put his arms around you and love you as much as the fans in Denver did
Rest In Peace

My sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Wright. As one of the earlier advisees at the then CMDNJ, I fondly recall the influence of this very sweet man. Herb Knight '77

I grew up hearing wonderful stories of the great Lonnie Wright. Very sorry to hear of his passing, he was a truly incredible person. He and PopPop Swede are probably getting some hoops on! My love to your family. Julie Masin

Bigger than life; a disarming smile that permeated the soul; Godspeed my inspiration; your mark will never be blemished; and thank you the Wright family.

Dr. Kwasi O. Armah