PORTSMOUTH - Steve Bernard Wise Sr., 70, answered the final alarm to his Father's house in heaven May 7, 2009. Steve was a member of Western Branch Community Church, a retired battalion chief for the Portsmouth Fire Department, member of the Portsmouth Retired Police and Firefighters Association and a past member of the Hook and Ladder Kamping Klub.

Steve is survived by his wife of 50 years, Ellen Earlene Wise; daughter, Catherine (Kurt); son, Steve Jr. (Sachi); four grandchildren, Paula, Trevor, Steve III and Craig; two great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and other devoted family members.

A funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Monday in Western Branch Community Church by Dr. Jim Wall, with burial in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends in Loving Funeral Home, Churchland Chapel, Sunday from 3 to 4:30 p.m. and they suggest memorial contributions to the MS Foundation, 6350 North Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309. Online condolences may be made at www.lovingfuneralhome.com