Head of Cutlery Firm Succumbs at Home in South Orange

J. Robert Wiss of 328 Grove St., South Orange, president of J. Wiss & Sons Co., cutlery manufacturers of 33 Littleton Ave., Newark, died today at his home after a month's illness. He was 63.

Mr. Wiss was born in Newark, a son of Mrs. Charlotte Lange Wiss and the late Frederick C.J. Wiss. He had been associated many years with the cutlery firm, founded in 1848 by his grandfather, Jacob Wiss, and had been president since 1931. He also was associated with Wiss Sons, Inc., Newark Jewelers.

He was graduated from Newark Academy and attended Lehigh University. He was a member of St. John's Lodge, F&AM of Newark; Union Chapter 7, Royal Arch Masons, and Damascus Commandery. He had been a member of the Newark Rotary Club for 24 years. He also was a member of Baltusrol Golf Club, Bay Head Yacht Club and the Newark Chapter of the Hammond Organ Society. He had maintained a summer home at Bay Head the last five years.

Survivors

His wife, Mrs. Laura Reininger Wiss, died in 1953. Besides his mother, who lives in Short Hills, he leaves a son Richard R. of Maplewood; two daughters, Mrs. Waldron M. Ward Jr. of West Orange and Mrs. Karl W. Corby of Washington; a sister, Mrs. W. Denton Taylor of Short Hills and eight grandchildren.

Rev. Herbert H. Cooper, rector of Christ Episcopal Church, Short Hills, will conduct services Thursday at 8 p.m. at The Colonial Home, 132 S. Harrison St., East Orange.