Published July 5, 2019
MELROSE — Deacon Jack Wise, 82, was born June 14, 1937. Son of the late William and Anne (Simpson) Wise. Loving husband to Marion G. (Stewart) Wise with whom he shared 59 years of marriage.
In addition to his loving wife Marion, Deacon Jack is survived by their seven children: Marguerite (Eddie), Shawn (Linda), Michelle (Rob), Erin, Kerry, Dennis (Jayne), Colleen (Sean) and 12 grandchildren: Jacqueline, Lyndsay, Shivonne, Ken, Tim, Shawn Jr., Darcy, Patrick, MaryKate, Gillan, Duncan, Stella and one new great-granddaughter Madelyn.
Jack was employed by Victor Coffee Company, South Boston. He had a special way of getting to know his customers and built lifelong friendships. Even after he retired, he would see people everywhere he traveled (even on the beaches of Aruba).
In 1980, Jack was ordained a Permanent Deacon by Cardinal Medeiros for the Archdiocese of Boston. Deacon Wise touched the lives of many and vice versa through his ministry serving the following parishes: Incarnation and Saint Mary’s (Melrose), along with Saint Agnes (Middleton) and Saint Teresa’s (North Reading). During the past few summers, Jack served as Deacon at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Cornwall, PEI, Canada. The cottage on the West River of Prince Edward Island, holds 50 years of memories with great conversations, numerous cups of coffee, the aroma of homemade biscuits and jam and the fresh ocean breeze
He was blessed with wonderful pastors, priests, fellow deacons and parishioners within each assignment. Additionally, he served as Chaplin for the Knights of Columbus, Melrose. Recently, he performed services at Brooksby Village in Danvers. In November of 2018, Jack was the recipient of the Cheverus Award presented by Cardinal Sean O’Malley for his years of service.
Visitation was held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose, on Tuesday, July 2. Wednesday morning, July 3, Deacon Wise lay in state at St. Mary’s Church, 9 Herbert St. Melrose, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment was at Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose. Relatives and friends were respectfully invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jack’s name to St. Mary’s Church, 46 Myrtle St. Melrose, MA 02176 or to the National Right to Life, 512 10th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 or @ www.nrlc.org. To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com.
