Wise

Cmdr. Gerald W. Wise, U.S. Navy (retired), 96, of Cabot passed away on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at his home.

Born Jan. 20, 1928, in Natrona Heights, Pa., he was the son of the late Carl Wise and Julia Jones Wise.

He was a graduate of Winfield High School. Gerald went on to the University of Miami, and he attended flight school. Gerald was a fighter pilot and did three tours in Korea and one tour in Vietnam. He traveled to over 29 countries during his service with the U.S. Navy. He was instrumental in the design of the ejection seat for fighter planes while he was in England. He was stationed on Midway Island for three years.

Gerald retired from the Navy after 28 years of service with the VF-23 Attack Group. Gerald received the Navy Commendation Medal with a Combat “V,” the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon Bar, Air Medal with two Gold Stars, China Service Medal, National Defense Medal with a Bronze Star, Korean Service Medal with six campaign stars, the United Nations Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Korea Presidential Service Medal.

He was a member of Zion United Methodist Church. Gerald was a member of the Saxonburg American Legion 683 and the Saxonburg VFW 7376. He enjoyed sailing and classic cars.

Surviving is his loving son, Mark G. Wise of Cabot.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Doris Eileen Wise; a son, Jason W. Wise; and his siblings, Carrol L. Wise, Marlene L. DeWispelaere, Esther I. Frederick and David Wise.

WISE — There will be no visitation for Cmdr. Gerald W. Wise (retired), who died Sunday, March 3, 2024.

A memorial service will be later at date at Zion United Methodist Church.

FOX FUNERAL HOME, 410 W. Main St., Saxonburg, is entrusted with the arrangements.

For more information, please visit www.foxfuneralhomeinc.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.