Gene H. Wise

Gene H. Wise was born April 24, 1942 just outside of Red Lion, PA & named after "The Singing Cowboy" Gene Autry. Sadly, he departed this earth on Wednesday, August 16th, 2023 at 81 years of age at his home, following numerous health issues spanning the last 8+ months.

He was the son of the late Herbert L. & Florence I. (Keller) Wise. He is survived by his wife of almost 61 years, Trudy (Knaper) Wise, son Darren Wise of Dallastown, granddaughter Victoria "Tori" Wise and her partner Isaac Hartsock of York, and step-granddaughter Rhiannon Fidler of Ft. Lauderdale, Fl.

A happy and hard working childhood was punctuated in his teenage years with a “1st Date” with Trudy on January 9, 1959. The two would be married on September 23, 1962.

He was an avid baseball fan, who along with his good pal Bill Runkle, set out on a quest to attend a MLB game in every stadium across the US & Canada. They completed their journey in 2014, with 35 different ball parks under their belts, catching a few teams in both their old & their newly constructed stadiums. Their trips included adventures and memories galore!

He saw them all, but always remained a true Baltimore Orioles fan throughout, with some of his favorite players over the decades being: Brooks Robinson, Boog Powell, John Lowenstein, and JJ Hardy.

Locally, he was a fan of the Felton Mad Dogs, of York's Susquehanna Men's League (where his son Darren, was a mainstay as a player for many years & most recently the club’s Manager) For Gene, a traditional Felton Crab Cake was "A MUST" at every home game!

Gene had been employed by Flinchbaugh Products in Red Lion & Tastysnack, Inc. in Windsor before becoming the Owner/Operator of Wise Auto Sales in Red Lion. Later, in semi-retirement, he had worked for Triangle Auto Sales in Spry & Star Motors in Dallastown.

He was a proud LIFE member of the Red Lion Elks (BPOE Lodge #1592) for over 33 years. He was also a past member at both the Red Lion VFW & the Red Lion American Legion. He leaves behind many great friends at all 3 spots.

He was a 47 year member of St. John’s Blymire’s UCC in Dallastown.

Gene and Trudy were snowbird residents at Tree Lakes in Palmetto, Florida for over 30 years. They also belonged to the White Rose Square Dancers Club for quite a few years in the 1980s. Gene especially enjoyed spending time with his granddaughter Tori & watching old, old sitcoms with "The Andy Griffith Show" topping the list followed closely by "Leave it to Beaver".

A funeral service for Gene will be held at St. John’s Blymire’s United Church of Christ, 1009 Blymire Road, Dallastown on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at 10am. Viewings for Gene will be on Tuesday, August 22 from 6 to 8pm at the church and prior to the service on Wednesday from 9 to 10am. Burial will follow in Otterbein Cemetery at Spry Church. Wagner-Elfner and Burg Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 134 W. Broadway, Red Lion is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorial contributions can be made to St John’s Blymire’s UCC or the Home Services Charitable Fund of the Red Lion Elks. Please visit www.wagner-elfner-burg.com to share condolences.

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