Joseph L. Wise

Joseph Lee Wise January 27, 1942 - April 29, 2015 The world became a better place on January 27, 1942 when Waneta Luella Woell Wise and Raymund William Wise bore a dark haired and fairest blue eyed boy named Joseph Lee Wise. Often referring to himself, much to his two brother's chagrin, as "Mother Wise's favorite son", Joe was raised in Fremont, Ohio and considered Fremont to be his home. He married Cynthia Louise Anderson on July 1, 1966 and they enjoyed 48 years of marriage. They also maintained a second residence in Lakeside, Ohio within a two-block radius of the majority of his extended family. Family was of the utmost importance to him and his focus was always on providing for them and their well-being. On weekends, two of the Wise brothers, Joe and Ray, could be found holding court behind the meat counter at Erie Food Market; immersed in debate over some of Joe's favorite topics: politics, world affairs and current events, as well as some good old fashioned nonsense. Well known near and far, Joe and Cindy established Joseph Wise Fine Clocks on State Street in Fremont in 1979, where he continued to work on clocks and watches until his untimely death. Affectionately referred to as "Father Time", he often donated his services to various churches and the elderly. Additionally, he served as clockmaker to the Hayes Presidential Center and was a lifelong member of The National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors. His interest in time pieces blossomed from a friendship with the late Jerome P. Smith who served as his mentor. It was nearly impossible for him to venture out publicly without being approached and left with a watch that needed repair, or a name and phone number jotted on a napkin for a house call. Clock and watch conservancy served as his passion and his vast knowledge and skills will never be replaced. The business and legacy will continue to operate under his wife Cynthia's direction, along with their daughter Emilia and trained staff. Joe had great pride in his daughters Emilia and Mercedes. He encouraged them to be independent free thinkers, instilling a strong work ethic which he deemed the most important personal attribute. He was enamored with his two grandchildren, David Zane and Madelyn Josephine, with whom he frequently spent time, whether it be shooting shotguns at Camp Perry, attending their sporting events, getting ice cream floats at Netty's or looping the Peninsula in his beloved, self-restored 1952 Jaguar. Joe attended both Fremont St. Joseph and Fremont Ross High School, and served in the Ohio National Guard. His early adulthood was spent at Fremont White Trucking and Matlack Trucking where he worked as one of the youngest master mechanics in the State of Ohio, and later was promoted to Superintendent of the facility. He spent years boating Lake Erie and countless hours shooting with his pals at Camp Perry Shooting Club. Joe left us on a beautiful morning, Wednesday, April 29, 2015. He is survived and will be deeply missed by his wife, Cynthia Anderson Wise, and their children Emilia Anderson Wise (James Proffitt) and Mercedes Anderson Wise (Daniel Nitecki). Grandchildren, David Zane Wise and Madelyn Josephine Wise. Brothers Larry Wise (Greg O'Sullivan) and Raymund Wise (Carol Wise). Nieces Tiffany Wise-West (Richard West) and Amber Wise and Great Niece Mia Wise. He also loved his constant four-legged companions the Shih Tzus Spike, Chubba, and Auggie. There are countless close and special people he maintained relationships with over the years, many from his childhood. He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymund and Waneta Wise. The family would like to invite all of Joe's family, friends, and old cronies to share their favorite "Joe stories" at noon, Thursday, May 7, 2015 at Neidecker, LeVeck & Crosser Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Peninsula Chapel, 7755 E Harbor Rd, Lakeside-Marblehead, OH. Lunch will follow at the Lakeside United Methodist Church, 450 Central Avenue Lakeside, Ohio. Viewings will be 2:00pm-4:00pm and 6:00pm-8:00pm, Wednesday May 6 at the funeral home. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, any donations or memorials be made to The Camp Perry Shooting Club, P.O. Box 427, Port Clinton, OH 43452. Funeral Home: Neidecker-LeVeck & Crosser Funeral Home - Peninsula Chapel 7755 East Harbor Road Lakeside-Marblehead, OH US 43440