Paul Russel Wise

To watch live steam services click here.

Paul Russel Wise, 78, passed away Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at his home in Downingtown, PA. Originally from Thompsontown, PA where he was born to the late Thomas “Kenny” and Mary Wise (Witmer), Paul was the loving husband to Barbara Wise (Tabor) with whom he shared 50 years of marriage until her passing in 2014.

Paul graduated from East Juniata High School, Class of 1959, where he participated in varsity baseball, basketball, and soccer.  An avid lover of the arts and photography he moved to New York City after high school where he became a professional photographer and started his own studio producing professional catalogue art. 

He married and raised his family on Long Island where he was active in local athletics programs.  He spent over 30 years involved with amateur baseball as a coach, commissioner, and served on the boards of several leagues. For many years, Paul served as Commissioner of Baseball for the Long Island Collegiate Baseball League, a league he also helped create. He took teams from this league to National Tournaments ran by the National Amateur Baseball Federation (NABF), PONY, BabeRuth, AABC, and ACBL. Based on his commitment, dedication, and passion for Collegiate Amateur Baseball, Paul was presented with the NABF Man of the Year Award in 2006. 

Paul relocated with his wife to Downingtown, PA so they could be near their first grandchildren.  Paul looked forward to any gathering with his immediate family and his large extended family and happily took charge of being the master of ceremony for any occasion. 

He attended Saint Joseph’s Church in Downingtown regularly with his wife and participated in the Saint Joseph’s Choir where he thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie, fellowship, and sharing his love of song. 

Paul is survived by his three children; Elizabeth Sokol (Andy) of Downingtown, PA; Paula Wise (Matt Allen) of South Orange, NJ; and Todd Wise (Joy) of East Northport, NY; and four grandchildren (Megan and Kelly Sokol and Colton and Taylor Wise).  He is also survived by four siblings Fanny, Ester, Ruth, and John

In addition to his wife and parents, Paul is preceded in death by his bother Tom and sisters Lenore, Annie, and Ginny and his faithful canine companion Savannah.

Paul will be laid to rest after the services at Emmanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery in Thompsontown, PA next to his wife Barbara.  A memorial Mass will be planned for a later date at Saint Joseph’s Parish in Downingtown. 

Due to the pandemic crisis, services will be private with Paul's immediate family, however,  live streaming of Paul's funeral liturgy will be available Monday May 11, 2020 at 10 am., please click on the link at the top of this page,  note the cameras for the live streaming will turn on five minutes before the start of services.

A special thank you is extended to the nurses and staff of Penn Hospice care and both Silver Linings and Griswold Home Care services.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to PSPCA via online donation at https://www.pspca.org/tribute-memorial-gifts  

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