Donald E. Wise

Donald E. Wise, 92, of Center Valley, passed away Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at Luthercrest, where he had been residing. He was the husband of Anita L. (Koster) Wise with whom he shared 68 years of marriage in the home they built together in Center Valley.

Born in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, on August 5, 1933, Donald was the son of the late Charles E. "Choc" and Mary E. (Neff) Wise. He was a 1955 graduate of The Pennsylvania State University with a degree in Metallurgy and earned his Master of Business Administration from Lehigh University in 1957. Donald began his professional career in the research department of Bethlehem Steel Corporation, where his work led to several notable advancements and at least two patents credited to his name. Following a distinguished career, he retired in 1977 and subsequently pursued a successful second career as a private investor.

Donald was a member of St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Allentown. He possessed a lifelong love of learning and an appreciation for classical music, particularly the operas of Richard Wagner. He enjoyed thoughtful discussions on current events, politics, and the stock market, and took great pleasure in sharing good meals and meaningful conversation with family and friends.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Donald and his family enjoyed many memorable vacations on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina-a tradition joyfully continued in later years with the extended family. During the 1990s, he and Anita traveled extensively, visiting destinations throughout the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Asia, Russia, and South America.

He is survived by his wife, Anita; children, Gregg C. Wise (Sarah) of New York, NY; Curt E. Wise (Fernanda) of Warrington, PA; Lauren M. Cook (Stuart) of Denville, NJ; and Thomas D. Wise of Alexandria, VA; grandchildren, Emily, Lindsay, Amy, Natalie, Steven, and Matthew; as well as one nephew and three nieces. He was predeceased by his brother, Richard C. Wise.

Services: A private funeral service will be held at Heintzelman-Stephens Funeral Home, P.C., Allentown, followed by interment at St. Paul's Blue Church Cemetery. Online expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.heintzelmanstephens.com.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1933 Hanover Avenue, Allentown, PA 18109.