Poland – John passed away in Poland, on Feb. 28, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

He was born in Shamokin, Pa. He joined the US Navy at age 16, when World War II broke out and served in the South Pacific. He served with honor and was always proud of being able to defend his country. He was modest about his accompolishments, simply feeling that he did no more than anyone else at the time. He attended Fairfield University and the General Motors Institute of Technology. He had a wonderful career in business that took him around the world many times. He worked as a Senior Design Engineer and District Sales Manager, for the west coast with Fenn Mfg. in Conn., as Marketing Manager, at Gerotors at Nichols Corp. in Portland, and retired as Program Manager, Gerotors at Eaton Corp in Mn.

He was a wonderful husband to his wife of 50 years. They enjoyed many RV trips and the many friends they made across the country. They packed many memories into the 50 years they had with each other, and truly were each others best friend, sharing good times and bad always together. His daughter Nanci walked this whole cancer journey with him. She has truly been a loving and caring daughter, and he cherished and loved her very much. She was totally dedicated to his care and comfort, and was a wonderful support system for her mom.

Many have been there for him, especially Cindy and Gary Williamson, and son in law Gary Davis, who unselfishly made everyday life easier with their help. The Rev. Robert Lovoie has been a wonderful friend and spiritual adviser. He was a member of St. Gregory’s Catholic Church in Gray. John and Pat had the blessing of strong church families who prayed and cared and brought many treats to brighten his days.

He is a past member of the 1st Governor’s Horse Guard, Connecticut State Guard, Vice President of the Rockville Fish and Game Club, and a former scout master in West Hartford, Conn. He was a dedicated member of the Planning Board for the Town of Belgrade for five years, and served as a Selectperson for he Town of Belgrade for three years.

He also was very active and enjoyed working with young people. He taught hunter safety among other things. He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing and boating, and was always eager to share that love with others. His special companion Sadie, a springer spaniel, never left his side throughout this whole illness and was a wonderful comfort.

He is survived by his beloved wife Pat; daughters, Nanci Davis, and her husband, Gary, Eileen Cox, of Fla.; his treasured grandchildren, Lindsey Reader and Jason Reader; sisters, Connie D’Angelo, and her husband, Mickey, and Magdalene Root; brothers, Jerome Getman, and wife, Teena of Conn., and Paul Getman, and wife, Anne of Pa.; his aunt Connie Albertines, of Mass.; and many nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his mother and father; a brother, Alexander Getman; and two children who died in infancy.

Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice were the angels that enabled him to be home through his final illness. Their dedication and devotion to his well being and comfort was truly an inspiration.