Roy Robert Wise

Roy Robert Wise, 79, of Fort Hill, PA, passed away Saturday, April 11, 2020 at In Touch Hospice in Somerset, PA. He was born April 30, 1940 in Greensburg, PA. Son of the late Homer E. and Dorothy Herrod Wise. Roy was a graduate of Hempfield Area High School and completed advanced labor-management relations courses at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania State University and George Meany Labor Center. He and his father both worked for the Pennsylvania Highway Department in the mid-1950s where his father was a foreman and also the Treasurer of an AFSCME local union. Roy’s interests in the labor movement was introduced by his father when Roy was 17 years old. It didn’t take very long for him to share his father’s passion for the labor movement and ultimately resulted in four generations of AFSCME union affiliation. In 1956, Roy became a member of AFSCME Local 2110, which represents Westmoreland County PennDOT workers where he worked as an operator until 1972. During that time, Roy served as Local Union President, among other officer positions. In 1972, AFSCME International hired Roy as an Organizer on its Pennsylvania Organizing Committee, where he became part of the team leading the drive to organize more than 75, 000 of Pennsylvania’s public service employees. Roy was hired by AFSCME District Council 83 where he worked as a staff representative from 1973 to 1982, an Assistant Council Director throughout 1983 and became Council Director in 1984. He retired from AFSCME District Council 83 in February 2006 after thirty-three years of service. Upon his retirement, employees quoted, “He has made a difference for the betterment of all of us.” Roy also served as a Trustee of the Pennsylvania Public Employees Health and Welfare Fund and the AFSCME Health and Welfare Fund, as well as Vice President of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO. Roy enjoyed many hobbies that included a love of hunting and fishing in Canada, Colorado, Illinois, New Foundland, Maryland, New Mexico, Texas, West Virginia and Wyoming. He also enjoyed trapping in Mississippi. PA buck season was always a family event that spanned four generations. He was also an avid golfer and had a passion for horses. He spent many years camping with family and friends. He is preceded in death by both parents, infant son – Roy R. Wise Jr., sister – Nancy Wise and son-in-law – Charles Weltz and great grandchild – Kira Brown. He is survived by his loving companion – Pat Yonkin of Fort Hill, PA, his children – Wendy Weltz of Mt. Pleasant, PA, Robert E. Wise and Julie of Herminie, PA, Susan Hinerman of Greensburg, PA, Patricia and Barry Sanner of S. Greensburg, PA, Rick and Diana Wise of Mt. Pleasant, PA. and Dotty Kuhns of Greensburg, PA, eight grandchildren – Robert Wise, Dalinah Aderholt, Nicole Hinerman, Dustin Wise, Amber Hinerman,  Jimmy Hinerman, Alicia Clark and Torilyn Kuhns and twelve great grandchildren – Lily, Collin, Madysen, Austin, Tessa, Adam, Andrew, Cole, Kylee, Jaylynn, Jimmy and Rooney. He was deeply loved and will be missed by many. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all services will be private. A private service will be held at Beatty-Rich Funeral Home, Inc. Rt 136 Madison, PA – Ronald A. Rich Sr., Supervisor, Ronald A. Rich Jr., Funeral Director. A private interment will follow at the Middletown United Methodist Church Cemetery in Greensburg, PA. A memorial service will be held at a later date yet to be announced.

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