Thomas Emerson Gettig
Thomas Emerson Gettig, 77, husband of Judith Anne (Cowan) Gettig of Greer, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, November 1, 2022. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late John J. and Jean Lemon Gettig.
Along with his wife of almost 53 years, Judy, Tom is survived by two sons, Mark Gettig (Katie) and Eric Gettig; four grandchildren, Maggie, Millie, Will, and Jack; and his sister Jeri Gallauresi and her family.
In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his stepmother, Nancy Bryce Gettig, and his half-sister, Susan Doreen Bauer.
Raised in Pennsylvania and western New York, Tom served honorably in the Air Force from 1965 through 1969, earning promotion to Staff Sergeant. Soon after completing his military service and returning home to Buffalo, New York, he met Judy, with whom he began a new life built around work and family. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Business Administration from the University at Buffalo and had a successful career as a corporate executive. His work moved the family to suburban Philadelphia and, in 1983, to Acton, Massachusetts, where Tom worked for Welch Foods, Inc., retiring in 2007 as a Vice President. Throughout his working life, Tom prioritized spending time with his sons, guiding and sharing in their academic and athletic activities. From 2004 to 2014 Tom and Judy spent part of each year in Fort Myers, Florida, where they continued to enjoy rounds of golf, Boston Red Sox baseball, and time with friends. In 2012 he moved with Judy to Greer, South Carolina, where he spent his retirement golfing, cycling, reading, socializing with new friends, and spending time with his sons and with his grandchildren who lived minutes away. He spent his final days in the company of the loving family to whom he had devoted his life, in the home his labors had earned, having lived well the life he had set out to live.
A memorial service will be held at Heritage Funeral Home on Main Street in Simpsonville, SC on Sunday, November 6, 2022, beginning at 1:00 pm. An informal reception will follow at Willow Creek Community Clubhouse, 203 Sandy Run Drive, Greer, SC, from 2:30 to 5:30.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages local blood donations or a memorial contribution to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, PO Box 22324, New York, NY 10087, in gratitude for the care that Tom received.
Judy,
I know you are surrounded by family at this time.
But please know our thoughts and prayers are with all of you .
So wish we could go for a long walk, and talk as we used to do.
You were the light in Tom’s life and he in yours.
We recall so many things about Tom. His kindness and generosity,
and how he always remembered names. This world needs more people like him.
Sent with love and hugs
Our heartfelt sympathy during this sad time in your life.. he was a warrior for the fight of his life .It was our privilege to know him and call him friend.His presence in the world offered understanding, courage and love. Tom was a true definition of a husband, father and grandfather We admired his qualities. Our fond memories will remain in our hearts forever . May God bless you..
Judy,Markand Katie,and Eric,
What wonderful times and memories spent with your family in Acton,MA.
We cherish those days!Thank you for the gift of Tom and the Getting Family in
our lives. The distance may be far, but the friendship remains close. Our hearts hurt.
Love and prayers,
Janice and Rick
Mark & Katie,
So sorry to learn of the loss of your dad. Thinking of you and your family.
Debbie & John Barthe
Eric,
Sincere condolences on the passing of your father. May he rest in peace. You and your family are in our prayers.
Tim & Anahita
Judy,
Please accept our sincerest condolences on Tom’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We know he will be sorely missed by all of you.
Sincerely yours,
Maureen and Neno D’Orazio
Dear Judy and family,
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy during a difficult and sad time.
We will always remember his kindness and love for his family.
We enjoyed our Willow Creek Dominoes games and his wonderful laugh when he was the winner.
May he Rest In Peace
Don and Gerrie DiPerno