Share: 

Elmer W. Getz , great angler

March 8, 2018

On Monday, March 5, 2018, the world lost a very special man. Elmer W. Getz of Wilmington passed away just short of his 92nd birthday. He was born in Bloomsburg, Pa., the only son of Verdie and William Getz, and had two sisters, Judy and Maylou.

After graduating from Benton High School, Elmer joined the Army Air Corps where he trained as a radio man for B-17s. He was stationed in the Philippines, staged for the invasion of Japan when the war ended. From there he spent time in occupied Japan helping with rebuilding efforts. Upon returning from the service he proposed to his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Jean E. Getz. They first resided in the town of Benton, Pa., where he became a truck driver. After a few years Elmer moved his family to Delaware to continue his truck driving career at M&G Convoy, and retired from there in 1988.

Elmer was a great angler, and was very proud of his many fishing citations. Over the years he owned several boats and fished the Outer Banks, New York State, Delaware, Maryland, and just about anywhere the fish were biting! Elmer loved to drive and took many family vacations to California, Canada and Alaska. Elmer also loved animals, especially his beloved dogs. In his later years he enjoyed watching a variety of birds that visited his feeder.

Predeceased by his loving wife of 67 years, Jean; sister Maylou; and a great-granddaughter Mabel Popovich, he will be dearly missed by his children: son Michael, daughters Cynthia J. Popovich and her husband David, and Lisa E. DiStefano and her husband Brian; grandchildren: Michael Popovich (Amie), Sara Bushey (John), Dean Popovich (Jackie), Matthew Getz, and Kevin Getz; great-grandchildren: Morgan, Nolan, William, Isabel, Vivian, Mathew, Hannah and Mila; and his sister Judy Fritz.

The family would especially like to thank Elmer's "Angel" Patricia Librandi-Wallace for her loving care and companionship for our father during the past year.

Visitation will be Wednesday, March 14, from 1 to 2 p.m., and a Time of Remembrance from 2 to 3 p.m., at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE 19808.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Elmer's name may be made to the Delaware Estuary (www.delawareestuary.org/donate) or to the Delaware Center for Homeless Veterans (dchv.org).

To offer condolences, visit www.dohertyfh.com

Subscribe to the CapeGazette.com Daily Newsletter