SARATOGA SPRINGS — Jeffrey A. Wise, 62, died Sunday, January 17, 2016, at Saratoga Hospital following a brief illness.
Born October 1, 1953, in Glens Falls, NY, Jeff was the son of the late Jane (Stanley) Wise and the Reverend A. King Wise. A member of the Glens Falls High School class of 1971, Jeff graduated in 1975 from SUNY Potsdam with a degree in philosophy. In 1984 Jeff enrolled in Albany Law School, and in 1987 earned a J.D. degree, continuing at the Gazette during school breaks.
He transitioned from journalism to public policy, and spent the next 25 years in Albany, where he advocated for the homeless and people with special physical and mental-health needs. An avid follower of all sports, Jeff was a lifelong fan of the Boston Red Sox and the Buffalo Bills. He loved racing season at Saratoga Race Course and watching ice hockey in Glens Falls, and also enjoyed the golf course at Saratoga Spa State Park. His musical interests ranged from classical to rock and roll, and he especially enjoyed Lou Reed, the Who, the Moody Blues, and Mark Knopfler.
Jeff’s parents and older brother, Gregory A. Wise, predeceased him. Survivors include daughters Rebecca Wise Melli of Fort Edward, and Abigail L. Wise of Washington, DC; sister Gretchen Wise Moore of Glens Falls, sister-in-law Penelope Wise of Erie, PA; nieces Melissa Moore (Bruce) Frank of Glens Falls, Vanessa Moore (Jerry) Hathaway of Melbourne, FL, and Samantha Wise (Michael) Baker of Gansevoort; nephews Ryan (Kristen) Wise of South Glens Falls, and Christopher Wise of NYC; five great-nephews, four great-nieces, and very dear friend Shelly Nortz of Albany.
Relatives and friends are invited to call from 1 to 4 p.m. today, Friday, January 22, at William J. Burke and Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs with a prayer service and sharing of memories at 4 p.m. Burial will be private. A reception for friends and family will follow from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Murray-Aikins Dining Hall (second floor) on the campus of Skidmore College.
Memorial contributions may be made to Old Friends at Cabin Creek, a retirement center for Thoroughbred racehorses located in Greenfield Center, http://www.oldfriendsatcabincreek.com/donations
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
