Elmer W. Getz

On March 5, 2018 the world lost a very special man.  Elmer W. Getz of Wilmington, Delaware 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 Corp where he trained as a radio-man for B-17's.  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 may 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.  

Pre-deceased by his loving wife Jean of 67 years, 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, 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; his sister Judy Fritz. 

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

Visitation will be Wednesday, March 14th from 1 – 2PM and a Time of Remembrance from 2 – 3PM 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 (delawareestuary.org/donate) or to the Delaware Center for Homeless Veterans (dchv.org).

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