Keith Getchel

Keith Getchel, 93, of 101 Nelson Ave., Bradford, passed away, Sunday, November 22, 2015, at his residence.

Born March 9, 1922, in Gordon, Kansas he was a son of the late Orila and Verda (Conder) Getchel.

Mr. Getchel enjoyed all types of sports, and was an avid fan. He loved to golf and he was a former member of the Pennhills Club and past Club Champion.  He had volunteered at Sawgrass during the Tournament Players Championship.

Keith was inducted into the in the United States Army Air Corp on October 22, 1942. He served with the B67th Bombardment Squadron 494th Bombardment Group with the 7th Air Force, as a Armored Gunner-612 in Luzon, Ryukus, Air Off Japan, China, Eastern Mandates and Western Pacific Southern Phillippines. He was awarded the As-Pac Theatre Service Ribbon with 7 Bronze Stars. He was honorably discharged on January 1, 1946.

Mr. Getchel had worked as the controller at Bovaird and Seafang and then later at Dresser Rand in Olean, and retired after 37 years of service.

He was a member of St. Bernard Church, the Greater Bradford Senior Center, the VFW and the American Legion.

Surviving are two nephews, James (Mary) Getchal and Richard Getchel all of Bradford. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother James Getchel.

Family will be receiving friends on Monday, November 30, 2015 from 10:00am to 11:00am in the  Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc. 33 South Ave., at which time a Memorial Service will be held with Rev. Raymond Gramata, pastor of St. Bernard Church officiating. Following the service Military Honors will be accorded by the United State Army at the funeral home. Private burial will be in St. Bernard Cemetery.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to Leukemia Society of the Bradford Senior Center.

Online condolences may be made at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

 

HOLLENBECK-CAHILL Funeral Home

33 South Avenue • Bradford, PA 16701

All Condolences -

Rest in peace to the great uncle i never knew.....
— jason schroeder

My father and mother in-law were very close friends with Keith. My husband Jim Colosimo was a good friend of Getchel's and they spent many good times playing golf together. Keith was a good friend and we all spent many happy times socializing. My condolences to his family.
— Karen Colosimo

Sorry for your loss, I worked and played golf with Keith for 20 years in Salamanca.
— Bob Zalewski

I am terribly sorry to hear of Keith or as he was one time in my life Uncle Keith. My name is Kevin Kilmurray formerly of Salamanca. My dad was Thomas. Keith was my Godfather. I hadn't contact with him since maybe the very late 70's, when he and dad would play golf at Elkdale. I do however have fond memories of him. Again I am sorry for your families loss and you are in my prayers
— Kevin Charles Kilmurray

Condolences

  • Rest in peace to the great uncle i never knew.....

    — jason schroeder
  • My father and mother in-law were very close friends with Keith. My husband Jim Colosimo was a good friend of Getchel's and they spent many good times playing golf together. Keith was a good friend and we all spent many happy times socializing. My condolences to his family.

    — Karen Colosimo
  • Sorry for your loss, I worked and played golf with Keith for 20 years in Salamanca.

    — Bob Zalewski
  • I am terribly sorry to hear of Keith or as he was one time in my life Uncle Keith. My name is Kevin Kilmurray formerly of Salamanca. My dad was Thomas. Keith was my Godfather. I hadn't contact with him since maybe the very late 70's, when he and dad would play golf at Elkdale. I do however have fond memories of him. Again I am sorry for your families loss and you are in my prayers

    — Kevin Charles Kilmurray