LIVONIA MOURNS THE LOSS OF A COMMUNITY LEADER
LIVONIA — This past Thursday, October 3, the city came together to mourn the loss of a cherished community leader, former Mayor Dennis Wright. He passed away at the age of 72 after a brave battle with Parkinson’s disease. Wright served as Livonia’s 11th mayor from 2016 until 2019, and during his time in office, he made a lasting impact on the community.
Reflecting on his time as mayor, Wright once described it as “a dream.” He enjoyed the work immensely, stating, “It’s been a great ride, it really has. People ask me what the best part of the job is, and I always answer it’s helping people. That’s been the cool part.” His passion for assisting others was evident in the various initiatives he led for the city.
Major Initiatives and Accomplishments
During his term, Wright was responsible for several noteworthy projects that improved the city for its residents. He was instrumental in establishing the Dog Park at Bicentennial Park, hosting a community-build for a universally accessible playground at Rotary Park, and refreshing the holiday spirit in Livonia with the Merry & Bright Holiday Parade. Furthermore, Wright championed the Vietnam Moving Wall event at Ford Field in Detroit, demonstrating his commitment to honoring the heroes of the Vietnam War.
Wright’s involvement in the community stretched beyond his role as mayor. He was a lifelong coach and even served as the president of the Livonia Junior Athletic League. His thoughts and plans helped lay the groundwork for the Kirksey Recreation Center, and he played a pivotal role in the millage campaign that funded its creation. Additionally, he co-founded Livonia Kids and Families, now known as Breaking Barriers for Kids and Families, which has provided crucial support to families facing tough times.
A Legacy of Service
Current Livonia Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan remembered Dennis Wright fondly, calling him a “true servant leader.” She commented, “He leaves behind a legacy of caring for children and families in need in our community.” Wright was passionate about harnessing the support of local business leaders to provide resources like food, Christmas gifts, and financial help to families struggling during tough times. Miller Brosnan emphasized his vision for the community with the long-range, resident-driven Livonia Vision 21 master plan. She encouraged residents to channel Wright’s spirit of giving by reaching out to help others today, stating, “I call this doing it the ‘Wright Way.’”
A Community Figure
Beyond his roles in office and civic organizations, Wright owned Wright’s Hardware on 5 Mile Road for 18 years. Known for his friendly customer service, he always went the extra mile lending a hand with appliance problems or electrical issues. He became a mentor to many local business owners, sharing his insights and support within the community.
Dan West, president of the Livonia Chamber of Commerce, described Wright as “real and genuine.” West noted that Wright’s willingness to help others—be it raising funds for youth sports or giving guidance to small business owners—was the hallmark of his character. “He was genuinely happy watching people solve problems and that’s why he deeply connected with so many people,” West said.
Final Thoughts
As a U.S. Air Force veteran and a dedicated community servant, Dennis Wright leaves an indelible mark on Livonia. While funeral arrangements are still being finalized, his spirit and contributions will certainly be remembered. The residents of Livonia are encouraged to celebrate his life and legacy by continuing to spread kindness and support within the community he loved.
