Below is what I'll be reading at his memorial service. I'm posting this not looking for any sort of sympathy or for thoughts and prayers. As you'll see, I've gotten plenty of those. Rather I am posting this to share how great of a man my father was, and with the hopes that his life inspires others to give back to their community just a little bit more. And please forgive the formatting due to the copy and paste.

And for a little context, my Dad is in the North Hunterdon Athletic Hall of Fame and the NJ Girls Soccer Coaches Association Hall of Fame. He started both the boys and girls soccer programs at his high school. Helped start the Lacrosse program. And at one point early in his career coached baseball.

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In a letter to the church of Cornith, the Apostle Paul wrote; Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

 If you’ve ever been to a wedding, chances are you’ve heard this passage before.

 When I was asked by my Mom to speak today, my mind went in many different directions as what approach to take. I thought that I should speak from my heart, maybe share a few stories. But then I figured instead of sharing my thoughts about Dad, I would share the words from former students, co-workers and acquaintances.

 The night Dad passed away, I made a Facebook post in a group dedicated to North Hunterdon, since Dad taught at North for 36 years. I expected some comments and responses, but what happed was amazing. Over 650 comments and reactions.

Before I share some of these comments, I want to say that you never know when you’ll run into someone who knew Dad. Ruth and I have, on numerous occasions, run into people who knew him. Whether it was the family we ran into at Disney World back in 1988. The husband of a co-worker of Ruth’s at a house warming party, held out in the middle of nowhere near Gainesville, Florida, in 1991. Or the owner of a restaurant in Durham, North Carolina we met 2 years ago. Just having the last name Wize Guy opened the doors to new friendships, all because of Dad.

Here’s just a sampling of the comments made about Dad, starting with an e-mail mom received from Dad’s soccer coach when he was in college. Yes, you heard me correctly, Dad’s college soccer coach.

• Ø John was one of my first NCE players but more important, he was a special person who loved to needle me as I did him. You wrote that nothing can be said or done, and I know you mean that sincerely, but there are very few like John who dedicate their lives to young people.

• Ø He was a great teacher and such a nice man

• Ø He was a great man and an awesome teacher.

• Ø Not only was he my favorite teacher of all time, but my freshman baseball coach, and later a good friend.

• Ø He was a great teacher and a Great Person, he was an inspiration to EVERYONE

• Ø I will always appreciate his great sense of humor & his way of helping his students understand

• Ø He was a great soccer coach - tough but fair and had a great sense of humor. Tell Dudly bumper story and Hall of Fame story here.

• Ø Your dad had such a positive impact on my life. I imagine that is the highest tribute

• Ø You were an unforgettable teacher. So many lives were enhanced by your teaching.

• Ø I believe he needs to be remembered in a permanent way such as the naming of a soccer field or an annual award to a teacher and/or coach who gave more than he/she took. The North Hunterdon High School community has suffered a big loss with his passing.

• Ø His legacy to our alma mater will not be forgotten. I know he inspired so many young people and made the community proud.

• Ø He was a very special man, who made a wonderful difference in so many lives

• Ø Your dad was my soccer coach 1979 to 1981. He was always encouraging even though I wasn't very good.

• Ø My kids have heard me mention his name, (He once was a focal point of a dream where the world was about to blow up and his hand reached out and saved me) He truly listened to and cared for the kids he taught!

• Ø He was an awesome person.... one of the most easy going Teachers I ever remember.

• Ø Your dad was a great man that taught so much more than math.

• Ø He was my freshman algebra teacher and he really cared so much about all of his students.

• Ø Your Dad was North Hunterdon, totally involved with sports, teachers, his classes, programs but most of all his students. After retirement he continued his legacy of giving to the community. And I’d like to add that even after his death he continues to give to others. We received word that, as an organ donor, part of him was given to someone in need.

• Ø Mr. Winecker was one of my most favorite teachers. He actually saved me from going down the wrong path when I was in high school. If it wasn't for him, my life would have been very, very different!

• Ø He was so dedicated to the students.

• Ø I'll also remember your dad as my algebra teacher who, despite my number ignorance and reluctance, never gave up on me. My mom said the same thing when they first met as teenagers and he was tutoring her!

• Ø I never had your dad as a teacher but remember him fondly as a fun lacrosse coach who made it a point to get involved with each kid on and off the field, in the hall, in the cafeteria, after school, anywhere. He was everywhere and always willing to help or listen.

• Ø Your dad had the patience of a saint as my algebra and geometry teacher as well as spending countless hours tutoring me.

• Ø Good man and always went out of his way to coach and push EVERY kid, not just the good ones, to the absolute maximum of their capabilities.

• Ø I still remember the wisdom your dad imparted in my freshman year of high school.

• Ø I will be forever grateful to your father for all he did for me as a coach and teacher so many years ago.

• Ø He was a great role model and very passionate in teaching, coaching and life

• Ø As I look back on those people who have had a significant impact in my life your Dad ranks up there at the top. Not only did he teach me the game of soccer but he taught me how to be leader in life. He truly cared about his players, the team as a whole and the game itself. Those three elements have helped me in my career, as a soccer coach and even with my family. I hope I have passed some of that along to others.

• Ø My sister taught with him for years and also commented about his kindness, caring and relentless support of his students and also his fellow teachers

• Ø He was always encouraging and approachable for help. He cared about his students. Will remember him for that as well as how funny he was

• Ø John proved himself to be a true friend, full of compassion and encouragement.

After reading all these comments I’d like to think the Apostle Paul wouldn’t mind if we substituted Dad, Coach, John, or whatever you called him, in the place of love.

Dad is patient, Dad is kind. He does not envy, he does not boast, he is not proud. He does not dishonor others, he is not self-seeking, he is not easily angered, he keeps no record of wrongs.