Rev. Joseph F. Wiseman

Father Wiseman was born in Brooklyn in 1923 to William and Mary Cullen Wiseman. He attended St. Brendan’s Grammar School, and the Brooklyn Prep School. He enlisted in the army during the Second World War, and served in Assam, India. After graduating from St. Peter’s College, he attended St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, and was ordained in 1952.

Father Wiseman served the Diocese of Brooklyn as Parochial Vicar of Immaculate Conception in Long Island City, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Brooklyn Heights, Saint Jerome’s in Flatbush and Holy Family in Flushing. Since retirement in 1995, he had been in-residence at Mary’s Nativity in Flushing where he continued to serve in priestly ministry.

During his years of service to the Diocese, Father Wiseman had served as chaplain to the Catholic War Veterans at St. Jerome’s, and as chaplain to the Holy Name Society of the Brooklyn Post Office.

He enjoyed swimming at the Flushing YMCA, walking throughout his parish neighborhood and in Kissena Park, and spending time with his parishioners.

Father Wiseman was a gentle presence in the lives of his family, friends, and parishioners. He was “Uncle Joe” to his many nieces and nephews, and was called upon regularly for the religious occasions in his family. One Christmas, he was asked what guests he would invite for the perfect dinner party. He quietly answered, “My mom and dad, my brothers and sister, and Jesus Christ.

Father Wiseman’s siblings, William, George, Marie, Brendan, and dear niece, Joanne Haas, predeceased him.

He was a beloved uncle to Jackie Harned (Daniel), Kathy Andersen (Ron Shapiro), Tom Wiseman, Dana Wiseman, Meg Finerty, Jean Pfeffer (Frank), and Mary Bakoyiannis (Tom) and Brendan Wiseman. He is a beloved great uncle to Kai Andersen (Carol), Theresa Harned, Jen Finerty, Elizabeth and Kate Pfeffer, Paul and Nina Bakoyiannis, and Nicholas and Alexander Wiseman. He was a beloved great-great uncle to Kailee and Ryan Andersen.