Thomas F. Wise, Sr.

Thomas F. Wise, Sr., 86, of Whiting, NJ, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at home surrounded by his family. Tom was born in Athens, GA and raised in Jersey City, NJ. After graduating from Lincoln High School, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, proudly serving his country for 10 years. He was an exceptional boxer, earning the title of UK Light Heavyweight Boxing Champion representing the U.S. Air Force. While serving overseas in England, Tom met his wife of 67 years, Joyce, married and welcomed their first child there.

In 1958, Tom & Joyce relocated to Portsmouth, NH where their second and third children were born. Once Tom was discharged from the Air Force, they moved to Jersey City, NJ and had two more children to complete and raise their family. He was a hard-working, successful entrepreneur, starting his own cleaning service, Tom Wise Cleaning Service.

They later lived in Irvington for 19 years and then Edison before moving to Whiting in 2002 where Tom retired. He was a pillar in his community as an active member of the Lion’s Club for over 40 years, becoming Vice President of the Lakehurst-Manchester Lion’s Club and also served as President of the Crestwood Village 5 Residence Club. In addition to his professional accolades, his culinary skills were legendary. Tom’s hometown cookouts brought joy to many and will live as a core memory to every community he touched.

Tom was very mild-mannered and had a great sense of humor, even to the very end. He had a warm, generous spirit and his greatest love was spending time with his family & friends. He also accomplished fulfilling his bucket list in his final years, traveling to Niagara Falls Canada, Mt. Rushmore, and the Alamo. He will be dearly missed.

Tom was predeceased by his parents, E.B. and Billou Wise; 2 children, baby Thadius Wise and eldest son Thomas F. Wise, Jr.; 2 sisters, Willine Wilson and Lizzie Tune; and 1 brother, J.W. Wise.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Joyce Wise; 5 children, Kerry Gillon and her husband Tyrone, Nathan Wise, Nikki Wise and her husband Schwann Grimes, II, Kent Wise and his wife Maria and Donald Daniels and his wife Darya; 14 grandchildren, Thomas III, Mahasin, Calvin III, Desirae, Fu, Danae, Tylia, C.J., Deion, Mari, B.B., Dominique, Tez and Gigi; and 15 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a host of beloved nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024 from 11am-12pm at Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, 115 Lacey Rd. Whiting, NJ. To post a tribute, please visit www.andersoncampbellwhiting.com.