Jerry "The Claw" Duane Wise

            On Thursday, March 21, 2024, Jerry Duane Wise of Glen Burnie, MD passed away peacefully at his home. Jerry was also known as “The Claw”. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, his “Dutchess” Jean, his 2 daughters; Michele Wise Pezzuti and Kim Krasauskis (Dave), 5 grandchildren, Nicholas Pezzuti (Sophia) of Pittsburgh, PA, Marissa Pezzuti of Harrisburg, PA, Bryce Krasauskis of Frederick, MD, Nathaniel Pezzuti of Harrisburg, PA and Makenna Krasauskis of Frederick, MD. He is also survived by his Great-Grandchild Melody Pezzuti and two sisters; Debora and Christine and many other loving family and friends.

           Jerry was born, November 16, 1938 in McKeesport, PA. His parents were the late John Hillbrook Wise and Elnora (Cannon) Wise. Jerry loved working out and started at age 14 with his fitness regimen. Soon he was bench pressing over 400 pounds! He also made rank of Eagle Scout at 14 years old, younger than most scouts do – with 20 extra badges! Scout Troop #1, McKeesport, PA was the first scout troop  in Pennsylvania. He graduated from McKeesport High School and attended Duquesne University for Business and Accounting. He was employed by B&O Railroad in 1956 and moved to Baltimore, MD a few years later to work for B & O Railroad at their corporate office downtown. It was there he met his “Dutchess” Jean and they married November of 1964.

         The B & O organization changed names to B & O C & O Railroad, Chessie System and CSX over the years and Jerry remained loyal to the company for 42 years and retired in 1997.

         Jerry was an extremely hard worker and took care of his family working extra jobs at a pipe store in the Security mall, working on automobile carburetors while working full time at CSX. After retirement, he worked for the MARC Train Station and Atlas Container Company until his late 70’s.

         Jerry loved going to the Ramblin-Pines campground to fish and talk to EVERYONE ! He loved to go to exercise gyms 2 to 3 times a week and “ shake hands” (The Claw) with anyone who would dare. Mostly Jerry loved his wife Jean and his daughters, Michele and Kim. He was so proud of his 5 grandchidren and great-grandchildren. Jerry’s sense of humor, his hand shaking, socializing and love will be missed deeply by his family. 

         Family and friends are invited to gather at the Singleton Funeral & Cremation Services, PA, 1 2^nd Avenue, SW ,(at Crain Highway), Glen Burnie, MD 21061 on Saturday, March 30, 2024 from 11:00 am till the start of the Celebration of Life Funeral Service at 1:00 pm. His Graveside Service and Interment will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Brooklyn, MD.

 If desired, Memorial Contributions may be made in his name to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN. or the Linthicum Heights United Methodist Church.