John Richard Wise, 75

September 09, 2025

Surrounded by his loving family, John Richard Wise, 75, a twenty year resident of Mt. Joy, passed quietly at Landis homes in Lititz, Pennsylvania after a long illness.

He was predeceased by his parents John R. Wise and Marian Dunn Tome, and sister Beverly Schmuck, John is survived by his son, Christopher John Wise, Akron, sister-in-law Kathleen J. Wood (Andrew R.), Lititz, sister-in-law Joyce E. Hurst (Bryan S. ), Manheim, and Chris’ Mother Karen E. Ingraham, Lititz. Also surviving are a sister , Gail Wise , and nephew Joshua Wise, Oklahoma City. He is further survived by nieces Kendra Crosby, Kelly Wood, Kiersten Muir, Erika Hurst, Meredith Hurst, Cathy Jo Moyer, and Lorell Schmuck, and nephew Austin Hurst. Twelve great nieces and five great nephews also survive.

John attributed his success in exemplary bowling records to the time spent with his Father at Blue Ball Lanes and other venues throughout the county. In addition, he and his Dad spent many hours together developing the family train platform in their home. The focus on trains provided him with many years of enjoyment.

John (also known as Rich to his immediate family) graduated from Garden Spot High School in 1968. His years at Garden Spot were highlighted by extra-curricular activities, including baseball, soccer, and basketball. In 1972, he graduated from Millersville University (State Teachers’ College) in the field of Elementary Education. He accumulated additional credits at Penn State Middletown, and was associated with the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Foundation. In the late 1970’s, he was awarded a week-long experience with Hugh O’Brian in California, as one of a group of national representatives.

In 1973 John became very active in the Greater Millersville Jaycees organization, which focused on leadership development and community service. It was during that time that John aggressively organized the first glass and newspaper recycling system in Millersville. His son Chris, born in 1975 with Down Syndrome, was the catalyst in John’s life for the success of the Pennsylvania Jaycee’s sponsorship of the Apple Butter Promotion to benefit individuals with intellectual disabilities.

With Chris’ birth, John became very active in efforts to promote the S. June Smith Center and ARC of Lancaster Lebanon.

While employed at Fulton Bank, John was manager of the check processing department and ultimately moved into the training and development function in the Human Resources Department. After an enjoyable and successful career with Achieve Global, during which he was involved in training nationwide, he returned to the banking industry, taking a training position with Susquehanna Bank in Lancaster and Selinsgrove.

John’s life was an example of devotion to his son Chris. Together they spent many years visiting Busch Gardens, Hershey Park, Knoebel’s Grove, Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos, Gettysburg, and Fredericksburg, to name a few. In addition, many afternoons were spent on the tennis and basketball courts. He lived for the time they spent together.

John’s personal library of 850 books and many movies were a source of happiness for many years.

In his final months after 15 years with multiple myloma, lukemia, and chronic kidney failure, John was appreciated by his caregivers and fellow residents for his ability to use his training background, that utilized his sense of humor and his ability to interact positively with everyone in his sphere of influence.

A celebration of life will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, John requested donations be made to ARC of Lancaster Lebanon, 116 Airport Rd, Suite A, Lititz Pa 17543, for their ongoing support and advocacy for Chris and his peers. His family would also like to encourage donations be made to Landis Homes, 1001 E. Oregon Rd, Lititz, PA 17543 for their compassionate care of John during his last two months in the Manheim Health Care Area, and the Cedar Personal Care Area.