Dr Peter Allen "Pete" Wish

Dr. Peter "Pete" Allen Wish, beloved husband, brother-in-law, uncle, educator, mentor, and friend, passed away quietly at home on February 25, 2026.

Pete was born May 13, 1942, in Camden, New Jersey, to Florence Selsor Wish and Peter Adam Wishnevsky.

Pete is survived by his sweetheart and wife of 58 years, Judith Lynam Wish, formerly of Wake Forest, as well as several in-laws, nieces, and nephews who held a special place in his heart. Pete was a devoted husband, a proud uncle, and a "cat dad" to the many feline companions he and Judy welcomed into their hearts over the years. He was predeceased by his beloved cats Tweety, Morris, Ms. Sweets, Midnight, Ms. Squeaks, Cassie, Romeo, and Pumpkin.

A native of Camden, New Jersey, Pete grew up developing a love for both athletics and learning. At Camden Catholic High School, he earned All-State honors in basketball and was later inducted into the Camden Catholic High School Basketball Hall of Fame, as well as the Emerald Society for Academic and Athletic Achievement for Life After High School Hall of Fame.

Pete attended Campbell University, graduating in 1967 with a B.S. in Biology. While at Campbell, he distinguished himself on the basketball court, setting a school record that stood for three decades and later earning induction into the Campbell University Sports Hall of Fame in 2003.

He continued his education at North Carolina State University, earning his M.S. in Science Education in 1969 and his Ph.D. in Science Education in 1976. While at NC State, he was inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society.

Dr. Wish devoted more than 30 years of service to the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, where he became widely known not only for his science teaching expertise but for the genuine care he showed all students, majors and nonmajors. A gifted and passionate educator, he received numerous honors recognizing his excellence in teaching and service, including the Outstanding Teaching Award at Campbell University, the UNC Pembroke Excellence in Teaching Award (1985), the North Carolina Science Teachers Association Distinguished Service Award (1997), and the University of North Carolina Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching (1999). Following his retirement from UNC Pembroke, he was named Professor Emeritus.

While these accomplishments reflect a remarkable career, those who knew Pete best remember something even more meaningful: his ability to encourage others and help them see possibilities they had never imagined. Pete took particular pride in opening doors for students from rural southeastern North Carolina. He pioneered science and math camps to increase minority children's interest in the sciences, and later followed up with opportunities as students grew through high school. He expanded these opportunities outside of the classroom to pre-service education students and classroom teachers. He never turned down a request to visit and teach demonstration lessons in classrooms. He always invited his science education students to co-present with him at professional conferences across the state and the country.

Pete also had a natural gift for connecting people. Whether introducing students to experienced educators, bringing together friends within the community, or helping others find the support they needed to achieve their goals, he delighted in helping relationships grow and flourish. That same gift for bringing people together was evident in the community as well, where he organized teams for golf tournaments at Gates Four, earning recognition on the Gates Four Wall of Fame.

Pete and Judy were true partners in life. Many in the UNC Pembroke community remember Judy working alongside Pete throughout his career, and she often joined him on the many trips connected to his conferences and research grants. Their life together was filled with shared work, travel, friendships, caring for their cats, and love and respect for each other.

Beyond the classroom, Pete built lasting friendships throughout Pembroke and Robeson County, becoming deeply connected to the local community through his frequent visits to Linda's Restaurant. He was also a valued member of St. Ann's Catholic Church in Fayetteville, where he formed meaningful relationships within the parish.

Pete was known for his warmth, humor, and genuine interest in others. He enjoyed golfing with friends, cheering on NC State athletics, and spending time with family members and the many people whose lives he touched over the years.

Though Pete's professional accomplishments were significant, his greatest legacy lives on in the generations of students, colleagues, friends, and family members who were inspired by his encouragement, mentorship, and kindness.

A memorial service celebrating Pete's life will be held Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Pete will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.