Obituary of Arthur Joseph Wise

Watchung: Mr. Arthur J. Wise, 85, died Wednesday, March 9, 2011 at Overlook Hospital in Summit. Born and raised in Elizabeth, he resided in Rahway for 8 years before moving to Watchung in 1964. Art was employed for 20 years for the Plainfield School System, beginning his career as a teacher, followed by principal, than assistant superintendent. He then served 20 years as superintendent of schools for the North Brunswick School System. A devout Christian, Art served as a lector, parish council member, religious education teacher and Extraordinary minister of holy Communion. He was ordained a Deacon for the Diocese of Metuchen on May 7, 1983. He served as associate director of diaconate formation for the diocese and as a member of the Diaconate Advisory Board and the Diaconate Personnel Board. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Rahway Council and was a member of the Watchung Rescue Squad for ten years. Even as a young struggling teacher and young father living in Rahway, Art found time to be involved with children during their summer recreation and athletic programs. He was a man who always looked for Christ in everyone. A very kind individual, he never uttered an unkind word and always looked for the positive in all situations. His son, Vincent predeceased him in 1981 and his wife of 58 years, Margaret M. Lynch Wise died in 2007. Surviving are two sons, Joseph and Gerry Wise; four daughters, Mary Gallagher, Joan Wise, Peggy Lubeck and Ellen Wise and four grandchildren, Lauren and Megan Lubeck, Sarah Gallagher and Christopher Wise. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday at 9 am at the Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung followed by a 10 am Mass of Resurrection at St. Mary's Stony Hill Church and burial at St. Mary's Stony Hill Cemetery, Watchung. Visitation will be held on Friday from 2-4 & 7-9 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Center for Hope Hospice, 1900 Raritan Rd., Scotch Plains, NJ 07076 would be appreciated.