Mr. Philip Wright Jr.'s Obituary
Philip Wright Jr., 56
A Giant in Spirit, Style, and Service
It is with profound sorrow that the family of Philip Wright Jr., age 56, announces his passing on Sunday, February 1, 2026, after a courageous journey with cancer. He was surrounded by love.
Not just in stature, Philip was a giant, a man whose presence filled a room and whose spirit left people better than he found them. He will be remembered as a devoted husband and father, a culture bearer, a community connector, and a style icon whose commitment to Black Excellence was not a slogan, but a lifestyle. He loved life with intention, moved with purpose, and made no apologies for celebrating the beauty, brilliance, and power of our culture.
Philip had an unmistakable love affair with New York City, and he wore that love proudly. A passionate sports enthusiast, there was not a boxing match, a New York Knicks game, or a New York Giants game he intended to miss. He knew the matchups and the history, and he loved the camaraderie and joy that sports brought to his world. If you wanted to find Philip, look for a well-dressed man in a great hat, enjoying a fine cigar, already halfway into a conversation that somehow made you laugh and think at the same time.
Philip is survived by his beloved wife, Carlecia Taylor Wright, and his cherished daughter, Kaomi Wright. He also leaves behind his mother, sister, brother, niece, nephew, and a wide circle of family, friends, colleagues, and community members whose lives he touched deeply and permanently. He was like a cousin who showed up to everyone’s celebrations.
A Life of Purpose and Presence
Philip Wright Jr. was a cigar aficionado and entrepreneur, known for his vision, his discipline, and his unwavering family values. He earned his law degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts in Rhetoric and Public Address from City College (NY), a foundation that matched his gift for communication and his ability to move people with both words and warmth.
Over the years, Philip supported and served with pride across faith, youth, and civic spaces, including Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and a range of economic development and trade initiatives. He believed in building, investing, mentoring, and showing up. He lived with the understanding that legacy is not only what you accomplish but also how you treat people and the doors you hold open behind you.
Never one to shy away from adventure, Philip showed his love by creating memories, traveling the world across five continents and leaving behind moments that are priceless to Carlecia and Kaomi. Those closest to Philip describe him as a charismatic Renaissance man, deeply passionate about community, connection, and shared experiences. He had a rare gift for cultivating relationships across worlds and for helping others feel seen, valued, and capable. Above all, he was especially proud to be Carlecia’s husband and Kaomi’s father, his greatest titles and most treasured roles.
Philip’s legacy will live on through the relationships he cultivated, the people he loved and helped, the laughter he sparked, and the example he set of what it looks like to live boldly, lead with style and substance, and honor culture as a responsibility.
What’s your fondest memory of Philip?
What’s a lesson you learned from Philip?
Share a story where Philip's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Philip you’ll never forget.
How did Philip make you smile?