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.
