Bruce H. Getchell
May 22, 1938 ~ July 4, 2021
Bruce Hunter Getchell, 84, a longtime Danvers resident, died Sunday, July 4, 2021 surrounded by his loving family after multiple long and brave battles against cancer.
Bruce was born on May 22,1938 to Merle D. Getchell and Harriet Hunter. He had two brothers Paul and Merle D. Getchell who pre-deceased him. Bruce leaves behind his loving wife, Carol Getchell with whom he was married to for 64 years. Bruce was also the proud and loving father to Pamela D. Getchell Spiros of Danvers and Bruce H. Getchell Jr. of Danvers and his wife, Maggie Getchell. He also leaves behind his grandchildren - Carrie Spiros Burnett and her husband Andrew Burnett of Danvers, Colleen Ness and her husband Andrew Ness of Middleton, Carol Spiros of Orlando, Florida, Peter Spiros and his wife, Juliana Spiros of Danvers, Samantha Hale of Boston, and Kelly Griffin and her husband, Connor Griffin of Danvers. He is survived by his six, loving great grandchildren, Grace & Caroline Burnett, Alexandra & Maxwell Ness, and Layla & Hannah Griffin.
Bruce was a graduate of Holten High School in Danvers, MA. He then attended trade school in Beverly, MA. Bruce proudly served in the United States Air Force from November of 1957 until June of 1962. Bruce worked for decades as a supervisor for Texaco company in Boston. He also served the Town of Danvers as a Town Meeting member.
Bruce was truly the definition of a great man who loved his family, friends, community, and country. His love and support was constant and unwavering. Often referred to as the “rock” of his family, he could fix just about anything. He will be deeply missed.
Visiting hours will be Thursday, July 8, 2021 from 4-6PM in C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers. Relatives and friends are invited. All other services are private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bruce’s memory may be made to the Mass General Cancer Center, 102-104 Endicott St., Danvers, MA 01923 or the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023, online at www.diabetes.org. To share an expression of sympathy with Bruce’s family, please visit www.LyonsFuneral.com.
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Pam and family, so sorry to learn of your father’s passing. Sympathy and love to all of you.
DHS77 Friends
Bruce had become a frequent visitor to the Selectboard meetings in Danvers, through many years. He always brought a powerful presence, and I have missed him. He is also from a family with whom I have had wonderful connections my whole life. I will miss Bruce and remember him as a very interested citizen and a good man.
Bruce has been a friend to our family and a caring neighbor for many years. He was an idea man, always had good advice, could get a snow blower running again or just show up unexpectedly at our door with fruit or vegetables after his visit to the local farm. His boundless energy amazed us. We often sent up homemade goodies, our special chicken salad and oh, his favorite, that pot-roast dinner! Above the food, the one thing he loved most was when it came time to tell stories of how proud he was of the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. It was fun to hear him boast, as that smile was undeniable.
Bruce has left us all with his insights and seeds of wisdom, which we will always cherish. We will miss him dearly.
You have our deepest sympathy,
George & Andrea Enos and Family
Thank you David he loved his town. Pam Getchell
Thank you so much Susan
Kathy and I want to extend our deepest sympathy to Carol, Bruce, Pam, and the entire Getchell family on the loss of their beloved Bruce. I have known Bruce from the 1950’s as our families were Hathorne neighbors connected further by our respective fathers being coworkers at the Danvers State Hospital. Bruce was quite simply a stand up guy with traditional values reflected in his commitment and love to his family and his home town. If Bruce asked you how you were doing, it was not small talk. He sincerely wanted to know. He was a kind, compassionate guy who could always be counted on for sound advice and if it was broken he could fix it. He became a very special man simply by being himself. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Rest In Peace Bruce.