Orville Mason Wise

Orville Mason Wise

A Wonderful Sense of Humor -

Orville Mason Wise, age 93, of Mechanicsburg, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at the Forest Park Health Center and Rehabilitation in Carlisle.  Orville was born on Wednesday, July 4, 1928, in Mechanicsburg to the late John Earl Wise and Edna Alice (Stone) Wise.  In addition to his parents, Orville is preceded in death by his three siblings: Earl W. Wise, Richard E. Wise and Deloris V. Watts.

Orville’s survivors include his wife of 72 years, Miriam Catherine (Shellehamer) Wise; his two sons, Charles “Charlie” Andrew Wise of Mechanicsburg and John Earl Wise and wife, Cindy, of Mechanicsburg; his two granddaughters: Rachel Wise and Catherine “Catie” Wise and husband, Tyler Hoffman; and several nieces and nephews.

Orville graduated from Mechanicsburg High School as part of the class of 1946.  He retired from the U.S. Postal Service in Mechanicsburg, after many years of service working as a rural letter carrier.  Orville served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.  He was a long-time member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg.  He enjoyed making hand crafts and playing pinochle and other card games with Miriam and her brother.  Orville was a talented pianist and Miriam loved to hear him play.  Orville was a member of the American Legion Post #109 in Mechanicsburg and volunteered at New Hope Ministries and Mechanicsburg Meals on Wheels.  He was also a member of the National Rural Letter Carrier Association and served as president of the Pennsylvania Chapter of the Rural Letter Carrier Association.  Orville was very active in the Rural Letter Carrier Association and was the chairman of the National Rural Letter Carrier Association convention in Philadelphia.  He dearly loved being a rural letter carrier and took great pride in his work.  Orville had a wonderful sense of humor and he enjoyed sharing his sense of humor with others.  Orville’s passion was gardening and taking care of his yard.  Each year he planted a vegetable garden and carefully tended to the lovely flowers in his flower beds.  At Christmas time, he took great delight in making sure the tree in the front lawn was decorated.  Orville will be missed greatly by his family and friends.

All are welcome to join Orville’s family at his viewing on Monday, March 7, 2022, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; his viewing on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:15 a.m. at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 132 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Reverend Dr. Karen Durbin officiating.  Orville’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at his church immediately following the service.  Burial will follow the reception in Mechanicsburg Cemetery.

Contributions in celebration of Orville’s life can be made to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 132 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, www.trinity-on-main.org; or Mechanicsburg Area Meals on Wheels, Inc., P.O. Box 1093, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.

Orville’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Orville’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign his official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.