J. Roy Wise

J. Roy Wise, 81, of 433 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland, formerly of Bowmansville, died suddenly on Monday, April 7, 2014 at Ephrata Community Hospital emergency room. His wife, Erla G. (Groff) Wise survives. They had been married for 53 years.

Born in Bowmansville, he was the son of the late Harvey and Suie (Witwer) Wise.

Roy served In the Army during the Korean War. During this time, he took a trip to Japan to climb to the peak of Mt. Fuji.

He was self-employed, operating several companies. For 22 years, he had a general contracting business, J. Roy Wise, Inc. and then a drilling and blasting business, J. Roy’s, Inc. for 23 years.

He was a member of Pine Grove Church, Bowmansville, where he had served on the cemetery committee, and also served on the Ephrata Community Hospital board for 10 years, the Eastern Lancaster County School Board for 10 years, and on the Brecknock Township Planning Commission. Additionally he was a lifetime member of the Bowmansville Fire Co., the Ephrata Lodge #665, F & AM, and a 50 year member of Rajah Shrine, Clowns and Caravaners .

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, being with family and friends, and traveling.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children: Brian S. married to Nancy (Martino) Wise, Denver; Colleen M. married to Matthew Mercadante, Reading; and Grant H. Wise, Bowmansville; seven grandchildren and a great grandson.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Paul S. Wise and C. Mark Wise.

A memorial service will be held at Pine Grove Church, 1194 Reading Rd., Bowmansville on Sunday, April 13, 2014 at 3 p.m. with Pastor Jonathan Yoder officiating. Interment will be private in Bowmansville Union Cemetery. Friends will be received at the church on Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. Kindly omit flowers. If desired, memorials may be made to the Pine Grove Church, 1194 Reading Rd., P. O. Box 573, Bowmansville, PA 17507. The Eckenroth Home for Funerals, Terre Hill is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be posted at www.groffeckenroth.com.