In Memoriam: Robert Campbell Wise (1925-2024)

Robert Campbell Wise, 99, a member of the Lycoming Law Association since 1949, and former president, died September 3, 2024.

Obituary:

Robert Campbell Wise, 99, a distinguished gentleman known for his service, intellect and generosity, passed on to eternal life peacefully surrounded by his family on September 3, 2024, at Celebration Villa of Loyalsock.

Born on May 21, 1925, in Williamsport, he was a son of the late Victor C. and Alice S. (Mahaffey) Wise. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 70 years, Margaret L. (Browne) Wise, his brother, Victor E. Wise and his grandson, Nathanael W. Stoner.

Robert’s life was a testament to his unwavering dedication to his community, his country and his loved ones. After graduating from Williamsport High School in 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy Officer Training Program, University of Notre Dame. He was transferred to the California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, and graduated with a meteorology degree. He was commissioned as an ensign and served as the weather officer on an arctic icebreaker. After release from active duty he graduated from the Dickinson School of Law in Carlisle, PA in 1948, and began to practice law.

Robert was recalled to active duty during the Korean War from 1952 to 1954, and served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy at the Fleet Weather Central in Washington, DC. Upon return to civilian life, he served as assistant district attorney of Lycoming County from 1956 to 1960, and afterwards returned to private practice. His passion for justice and community welfare propelled him into politics, where he was elected in 1965, and served four more successive terms as a Democrat in the PA State House of Representatives, Harrisburg. His legislative talents were further recognized when he was elected by the General Assembly to serve as director of the PA State Legislative Reference Bureau from 1975 to 1976. He practiced law for more than 50 years in Lycoming County, including acting as solicitor for several local governmental bodies.

Beyond his formal roles, Robert was an active member of the American Legion for over 70 years, a member of the West Branch Boat Club, Ross Club, Williamsport Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club, and the Valley of Williamsport, PA Scottish Rite where he became a 33rd Degree Mason. He was not only a pillar in his professional life but also a cornerstone of his community. Robert was a faithful, active lifetime member of Trinity Episcopal Church.

Robert’s interests were as varied as they were passionate. He enjoyed reading, performing music, golfing, boating, skiing, playing chess and watching sports. His love for music was evident as he played in many bands throughout the Williamsport area, including the Repasz and New Horizons Band and other ensembles as recently as May, 2024. Always seeking ways to engage with the world around him, Robert kept busy and was highly service-oriented. He was known for his loving nature, kindness, generosity and devotion to family, which he demonstrated through his constant acts of giving, doing, and involvement with others.

He is survived by three children, David L. Wise, and his wife, Leslie of Erdenheim, Carol L. Kirol, and her husband, Thomas, of Williamsport, and Sandra W. Stoner, and her husband, Herbert, of Harrisburg; eight grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; his sister-in-law, Joyce Henninger Wise, of Williamsport; and his niece and three nephews.

A memorial service to honor Robert’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 844 West Fourth Street, Williamsport. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of service, Saturday, Sept. 21 at church.

Memorial donations in Robert’s name may be made to Oxford House Trinity Manor, c/o Trinity Episcopal Church, 844 West Fourth Street, Williamsport, PA 17701.

Arrangements entrusted to Sanders Mortuary. Online condolences may be made on Robert’s memorial page at www.SandersMortuary.com.

House Resolution No. 558 of 2024: 

Remembering the Honorable Robert C. Wise, a five-term former member of the House of Representatives from the 83rd District, Lycoming County, who died September 3, 2024, at 99 years of age.

WHEREAS, The House of Representatives joins in honoring Robert C. Wise for his distinguished leadership and generous service to the residents of Lycoming County, central Pennsylvania and this Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, As a legislator focusing on legislative ethics, higher education and conservation, including clean streams, Mr. Wise faithfully served consecutive terms in the House of Representatives from 1965 through 1974; and

WHEREAS, Active in legislative reform, Mr. Wise chaired the first House Ethics Committee in 1969; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Wise served on the State Government Committee and the Game and Fisheries Committee in his first term and was appointed to the Education Committee in his second term; and

WHEREAS, An early supporter of a unified Statewide higher education system, Mr. Wise continued his service on the House Education Committee over multiple terms, chaired the Subcommittee on Higher Education and was a legislative delegate to the State Board of Education; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Wise later served as an appointed member of the State Board of Education; and

WHEREAS, Born May 21, 1925, in Williamsport, Mr. Wise enlisted in the United States Navy Officer Training Program at the University of Notre Dame after his 1943 graduation from Williamsport High School; and

WHEREAS, At the California Institute of Technology, where he transferred, Mr. Wise worked toward his meteorology degree and determined that he wanted to study law; and

WHEREAS, Commissioned as a Navy ensign, Mr. Wise was a weather officer on an arctic icebreaker; and

WHEREAS, Released from active duty, Mr. Wise began to practice law and entered public service after his 1948 graduation from Dickinson School of Law; and WHEREAS, Recalled to active duty from 1952 through 1954, with the rank of lieutenant, Mr. Wise completed his military service at a Fleet Weather Center; and

WHEREAS, As a respected attorney with more than five decades of service, Mr. Wise was a member, since 1949, and former president of the Lycoming Law Association and former Lycoming County assistant district attorney; and WHEREAS, Mr. Wise earned public recognition and public support through his work as assistant district attorney; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Wise enjoyed door-to-door campaigning and advertising in his growing Lycoming County district, aided by family, friends and volunteers; and

WHEREAS, Given his background in law and his legislative record, Mr. Wise was elected in joint session of the General Assembly as Director of the Pennsylvania Legislative Reference Bureau; and WHEREAS, From January 20, 1975, through January 3, 1977, Mr. Wise contributed to bureau policy and publications and advised members and staff from all caucuses; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Wise's abilities as an effective listener, arbitrator and consensus builder were notable; and

WHEREAS, Through his involvement in Williamsport area bands and his dedication to nonprofit and charitable organizations, including the American Legion and the Scottish Rite, Mr. Wise further enriched his community; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Wise's three children, his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren and friends joined in honoring his life September 21, 2024, at Trinity Episcopal Church in Williamsport, where he was a lifetime member; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives remember the Honorable Robert C. Wise, a five-term former member of the House of Representatives from the 83rd District, Lycoming County, who died September 3, 2024, at 99 years of age.