1922 – 2003

SARASOTA, Fla. – Frank Edward Wise Jr., 81 of Sarasota and Punta Gorda, Fla., and formerly of Auburn and Farmingdale died unexpectedly Nov 14, in Sarasota, Fla.

He was born in Detroit, Mich., on April 9, 1922, the son of Frank Edward Wise and Alice Heuft Wise. He was a Navy veteran of World War II, having served aboard the aircraft carriers USS Kearsarge, Wasp, and Ranger. He was awarded a Navy Commendation from Admiral Halsey for his service on Guadalcanal with the Cactus Air Force, as part of a U.S. Marine and USS Wasp team.

He also served at the Naval Air Station Brunswick leaving the U.S. Navy as a Chief Petty Officer.

He was employed by St. Johnsbury Trucking Co. for over 25 years retiring as a District Manager. He also flew for Dolphin Aviation in Sarasota, Fla., transporting individuals for pleasure trips and also for medical purposes.

In 2001 he was honored by the Sarasota County Veterans Commission as veteran of the Year. In 2002 he received Earl Roberts Award by the Veterans of Foreign Wars for his lifelong volunteer service to veterans. He had volunteered over 1000 hours at the VACenter in Sarasota, Fla.

He was past commander and service officer of American Legion Post 22 in Auburn; member and service officer of American Legion Post 299 in Sarasota, Fla.; member of the Veterans of Foreign War Post 3233 of Sarasota, Fla.; 50-year member of the benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and past Exalted Ruler of Elks Lodge 1519 of Sarasota, Fla.; and very recently a Boy Scout Leader for scouts with special needs.

He is survived by his wife, Irene Crockett Wise; sisters, Virginia Master of Clinton Township, Mich., and Lois Knott of Waco, Texas; daughters, Patricia Wise of Bar Harbor, Gail S. Wise of Denver, Colo., Carole R. Wise of Auburn, Mary L. Hastings and her husband John of Durham, and Debra D. Couture and her husband Gregory of West Gardiner; sons, Frank E. Wise III and his wife Carol of Davis, Calif., John P. Wise and his wife Kathy of Falmouth, Daniel Wise and his wife Cathy of Salt Point, N.Y., Michael and his wife Florence of Auburn, Marc A. Wise of Denver, Colo., and David R. Dodge and his wife Debra of Manchester; 19 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by brothers, Raymond Wise and Jack and Donald DiGiovanni; and sisters, Shirley, Ruth and Nancy.