Richard Paul Wise

Richard Paul Wise, age 88 of Randolph, passed away Wednesday, October 15, 2014. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

He was born July 30, 1926, in Randolph, Ohio, to parents Harry and Bessie (Royer) Wise. Richard proudly served in the U.S. Army during WWII. He was longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Parish, where he also belonged to the Catholic War Veterans and the St. Joseph Golf League. Richard was an active member of the Randolph community, serving on the fire department and as a member of the Lions Club. In addition to golfing, Richard also enjoyed his many fishing trips to Canada.

After returning from the war, Richard was a self-employed truck driver and also a heavy equipment operator. In 1962, he and his brothers became the owners of Wise Chevrolet in Randolph. Richard worked there until his retirement in 1998 and was an active member of the Portage County Automobile Dealers Association.

On May 16, 1953, Richard married the love of his life, Veronica (Reale) Wise. He is also survived by their children: Nancy (John Lavan) Wise, Richard Wise Jr., Patricia (Mike) Lang, Joseph (Rasa) Wise, and Karen Wise. His memory will also be cherished by grandchildren: Michael (Holly) Lang Jr., Adam (Tamara) Lang, David (Heather) Lang, Lauren Grdina, Amanda Grdina, Daiva Wise, Richard Wise III, Harry Wise, and Jacob Wise, as well as great-grandchildren: Adam Jr., Gracianne, Gemma, Marissa, Brianna, and Hayden Veronica Lang, and his brothers: Robert, Charles, and Russell Wise.

In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his daughter Kathleen Wise Grdina.

Friends will be received Friday, October 17, 2014, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at the Wood-Kortright-Borkoski Funeral Home, 703 E. Main St., Ravenna. Mass of Christian Burial will be concelebrated by Reverend Thomas Acker, S.J. and Reverend James P. Lang, on Saturday at 10:30 AM at St. Joseph Church, 2643 Waterloo Rd., Mogadore. Please meet at the church. Interment will follow with military honors at St. Joseph Cemetery.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Randolph Fire Department or the Susan G. Komen Foundation.