Ira “Chip” Wright III, 74, of Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully in his home on March 18, 2025.
Born July 12, 1950 in Bellefonte, he was the son of the late Ira Wright, Jr and late Caroline Baldwin Wright. Upon graduating from Bellefonte Area High School in 1969, he soon enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 19. He proudly and courageously served his country in the Vietnam War as a Boatswain’s Mate aboard the USS La Moure County LST 1194. His dedication to his country did not end with his active-duty service in the Navy. After completing his enlistment in the Navy, he continued his service by joining and later retiring from the United States Army National Guard. In his retirement, he enjoyed working as a flower delivery driver for A Flower Basket (Bellefonte, PA).
In addition to his military service, Ira was a loving father, grandfather, brother, and a friend to all who had the privilege of knowing him. He often made “rounds” in town, visiting friends, greeting all who met him with a joke or kind word. He enjoyed festivals, parades, and fairs, especially when accompanied by his daughter and grandchildren, whom he loved dearly.
Ira was a member of many different organizations and groups during his life. He was a church elder and lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church in Bellefonte, was a volunteer with the Logan Fire Company, and a member of the Bellefonte, PA Lodge, Jaffa Shriners, The American Legion, the Elks Lodge, and the Masonic Lodge.
He is survived by his daughter, Lashelle Wright Kuhlman and his grandchildren, Brayden and Malayna Kuhlman of Bellefonte, PA, and his sister, Linda Wright Wong and family of Honolulu, Hawaii.
Family and friends will be received on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, from 10:00-11:00 AM, at Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc., 206 N. Spring Street, Bellefonte. A Masonic Service will begin at 11:00 AM, followed by the funeral service with Rev. Thomas G. Poole officiating. Full military honors will be carried out at the funeral home immediately following the services. Ira will also be honored with a private military ceremony at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. A scattering of his ashes will take place by family in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. in Bellefonte.