Dr. Cleveland W. Wright

Dr. Cleveland Wesley Wright was born November 16, 1924, in Sumter, SC, and was the oldest child of Cleveland Wright and Charity Porter Wright. His father died when he was a young boy and he grew up to be a determined young man who was protective of his mother and only sister. Cleveland attended the public schools of Sumter and graduated from Lincoln High School as salutatorian in 1942. He began his military service in the Army the following year and was stationed in the Philippines during World War II. In 1946, he was honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant. After leaving the Army he enrolled in Howard University in Washington, D.C. He majored in Zoology, was a member of the Alpha chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1949. Upon returning to Sumter, Cleveland met the love of his life, Mildred Tidwell. They were married in August 1951 and had one son, Geary, in 1952. He also began his teaching career at his high school alma mater, Lincoln High School, where he taught Chemistry and Physics. He entered Howard University’s College of Medicine in 1958, and upon graduation in 1962, he left South Carolina and moved his family to Riverside, CA, to begin his internship and residency at Riverside General Hospital. In 1965, he opened his medical practice in Riverside on Brockton Avenue, where he served the community for 27 years. Cleveland was on the medical staff of Riverside Community Hospital and he worked as the team doctor for the Rubidoux High School football team for several years. He was recognized by the Black Voice News in 1986 for his commitment and dedication to providing a better quality of life to the citizens of Riverside and San Bernardino through healthcare. In 1992, he closed his practice and worked as a staff Physician and Chief of Primary Care Services at Patton State Hospital until his retirement in 2008. Cleveland was actively involved in the Riverside community. He was the first African-American elected to the Riverside Unified School District Board of Education in 1976. He served for 14 years and was President from 1982-1984. He was also a member of the NAACP and the Rotary Club. He attended Arlington United Methodist Church for 38 years, and participated with the United Methodist Men and the Early Christians bible study group. In his spare time, Cleveland enjoyed horticulture, DIY projects around the house, and his ’67 Mustang. He grew several varieties of citrus (which we attributed to his longevity) and other fruit, was a pretty skilled carpenter and was a regular at Mustang Village. He and Mildred also liked to travel abroad and throughout the U.S. On May 31, 2023, at the age of 98, Cleveland passed away peacefully at the home of his son and daughter-in-law in Rialto, surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his father, Cleveland Wright; mother, Charity Porter Wright; sister, Edith Y. Watson; and his wife of 69 years, Mildred Tidwell Wright. He is survived by his son, Geary (Joni); grandchildren Derek W. Wright (Angelisa), Jason M. Wright (Kimberly), and Stephanie M. Wright; great-grandchildren Brielle R. Beall, David W. Wright, and Aaron M. Wright; niece Dr. Judith C. Watson; nephew Mr. Steven M. Watson, other relatives and friends. Viewing will be Friday, June 16, from 2-4pm at Tillman Riverside Mortuary (www.tillmanriverside.com) and Saturday, June 17, from 10-11 am at Victoria Presbyterian Church. Services will be held Saturday, June 17, at 11am at Victoria Presbyterian Church, 6091 Victoria Avenue, Riverside, CA. Burial rites to follow at Riverside National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: www.HUMAA.org, c/o Dr. Cleveland W. Wright or: HUMAA (Howard University Medical Alumni Association) c/o Dr. Cleveland W. Wright 1734 Elton Road, Suite 225 Silver Spring, MD 20903 202-803-2989

Dr. Cleveland W. Wright

November 16, 1924 - May 31, 2023