John E. Getchell, US Navy-Retired, 86 of Clearwater, Florida passed away on January 14. 2018 at the Genesis Sunset Point Assisted Living Center, Clearwater, Florida with his family at his bedside. He was born on June 6, 1931 in Waterville, Maine to Paul and Greta (Forsythe) Getchell.
He served and retired from the US Navy during the Korean and Vietnam War Eras, and after his military career John then worked as the Supply Chief for the James A. Haley VA Hospital, Tampa, Florida and attended North Dunedin Baptist Church.
John passed away peacefully at the age of 86 yesterday evening. Our dad was a Medic, Medical Corpsman in the Navy serving as a Marine during combat. He cared for our injured soldiers during Vietnam and Korean War. After his retirement from the Navy, he worked as Chief of Supplies, at the James A Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa and retired from there. Over time, he became 100% disabled due to agent orange exposure in Da Nang but he lived a great life serving our country, helping soldiers, veterans, exceptionals with down syndrome and autism at church, becoming a Guardian to a single lady with Alzheimer’s and even feeding the homeless in our community. He was a remarkable, selfless, and kind humanitarian with a heart that is indescribable.
Survived by his loving family, his wife Judith of Clearwater, Florida; two sons; David Getchell and his wife, Bobbi of Clearwater, Florida and John H. Getchell of Clearwater, Florida; daughters, Kim Bettcher and her husband, Jeff of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; Linda Mauney of Clearwater, Florida and Jennifer Strano of Odessa, Florida; a brother, Paul Getchell of Fairfield, Maine; three sisters; Joan Waldron of North Port, Florida; Sandra Harrell of Virginia Beach, Virginia and Susam Bloom of Portland, Maine; 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
Graveside services and full military honors by the US Navy and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10209 will be held at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Avenue, Bushnell, Florida 33513 on Friday, January 19, 2018 beginning at 1:30 pm.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Fisher House at James A. Haley Veterans Hospital.
https://www.fisherhouse.org/programs/houses/house-locations/florida-james-a-haley-veterans-hospital/
Veterans Funeral Care
727-524-9202
Never was there a more patient, kind or loving man. I am so proud to have had such great memories with you. You will always be in my heart. I LOVE you and am happy you are finally at peace!
Always filling the room with joy and leaving everyone with a smile on their face, I speak for all of the grand children when i say that Grampy will always be with us in our hearts. I know we will all be thinking of him every time we hear a bad joke, feed the birds in the back yard, put on a pair of roller blades, or teach our children how to swim or drive a car for the first time. Grampy will be greatly missed but never gone❤️
This man has taught to be humble with what you have and help others and when down always look god well show you the way love you grampy you well be miss
I send my love and prayers to all the family. Judy,you are blessed to have your wonderful, loving family to surround you with love and support. My prayers are with you!
Sorry for your loss of this wonderful person. You have your memories which will sustain you thru this time of sadness.
Our sincere sympathy to all your family. John will be greatly missed and fondly remembered. With love, Kathy and Steve Bettcher
John was a great man he showed me and my kids the meaning of family Wich is his greatgrandkids and everytime he would walk in to room he would try to make everyone smile and Judy my prayers are with you and your family.