Eugene L. “Woody” Wise Sr., 89, passed away on June 27, 2025, after being cared for by his family at home and then the VA Hospital. He was married to Marilyn M. (Hartnett) Wise, who preceded him in death in 1986.
Woody was born in Lebanon, PA, on April 3, 1936; he was a son of the late Donald Eby Wise and Mary (Yocklovich) Wise. Woody graduated from Cornwall High School in 1954, and after graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving for four years. Woody began his career at the Bethlehem Steel Corporation in Morgantown, where he worked as a timekeeper until its closing. Prior to retiring, he was employed at Sacred Heart Church, where he supervised the Parish Center.
Woody was active for many years in the Knights of Columbus, where he was a lifetime member. He held the position of Grand Knight and Faithful Navigator in the 4th degree. He enjoyed many bus trips to see Notre Dame football games with the Knights of Columbus. He was mayor of Cornwall for eight years, and for over a decade, Woody volunteered at the VA Hospital in the lab department and at Catholic Charites.
In his younger years, Woody enjoyed playing and coaching in the men’s softball leagues in the 60s and 70s. He enjoyed making people laugh with his sense of humor. He loved gardening and listening to music. In fact, throughout the years, he attended many music events at Hershey Park with his dear friend and longtime companion, Joan Hoover.
Woody is survived by his brother, Donald Wise Jr.; children, Karen Englehart, of Lebanon, Eugene L. Wise Jr., of Las Vegas, NV, Donna Wise, of New Cumberland, and Steven Wise, of Elizabethtown; grandchildren, Megan Englehart, Mallory Englehart, and Niki Wise; and great-grandchildren, Eli and Nora Corey.
Woody’s family would like to thank the Lebanon VA Medical Center, Hospice of Lancaster nursing staff, and Just like Family Home base care staff for their care and compassion, and the kind neighbors of Karinchville, where he lived in his beloved home for 66 years.
A celebration of life will be held privately by his family. Thompson Funeral Home Inc. is entrusted with the arrangements. Please share your memories with the family at Thompson Funeral Home’s online guest book at thompsonfuneralhomelebanon.com.
