Gordon Howard Getz

Gordon Howard Getz, age 89, born July 6, 1936, in Bay Head, New Jersey, formerly of Merrittstown, Pennsylvania, and most recently of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, died peacefully on January 19, 2026, with his loving family by his side. He was the son of the late Harry and Gertrude (Hergenroeder) Getz.

Gordon is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Carol (Fenshaw) Getz. He also cherished the relationship he shared with his late in-laws, Joseph and Nell (Broadwater) Fenshaw.

Gordon was a devoted father to three children: Rae Lyn Duke and husband Greg of Carmichaels, PA; Blake Getz and wife Vanessa (DeSalvo) of Pittsburgh, PA; and Shanon Leskinen and husband Steve of Uniontown, PA.

He was a proud grandfather to Talen Duke and his wife, Brett; Jordan Kovach and her husband, Ethan; Shane Leskinen; Bret Leskinen; Chase Getz; and Max Getz. He was a loving great-grandfather to Clarke Kovach, Baylor Kovach, and Weston Duke. He was also proud of his extended grandchildren, Michael Leskinen, Kristi Leskinen, and Amanda Leskinen Voithofer, and their children.

Surviving are his brother, Donald Getz, and his sister-in-law, JoAnn Getz. He was preceded in death by his brother, Harry Getz, Jr., and his sisters-in-law, Barbara Getz and Kathy Getz. In addition, he is survived by Carol's sisters; Sondra Kansky (late husband Joe Kansky) of Irwin; Dara and Chuck Johnson of Brownsville; Marlene Denney (late husband Ralph "Hap" Denney) of Uniontown; and Holly and Dave Mouser of Smock, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Gordon grew up in the Garfield neighborhood of Pittsburgh and graduated from Connelly Vocational High School. Immediately after high school, he proudly enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served aboard the USS Intrepid (CVA-11) and had the opportunity to sail throughout the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, even traversing the Arctic Circle.

Following his military service, Gordon worked for Continental Topper in the commercial food and beverage industry. He later owned and operated the G&L Hotel, affectionately known as "The Zoo," in Smithton, PA. Upon retirement, he continued working at the Yough Lake Marina until the age of 80. In his heyday, Gordon enjoyed a brief stint as a race car driver, sponsored by Fenshaw Auto Wreckers, a short-lived experience he often laughed about and enjoyed retelling. He especially enjoyed history, boxing, and never passed up a bowl of ice cream.

Gordon was deeply committed to public service and education. He served two terms on the Brownsville Area School Board, including time as President, leading with dedication and integrity. He also served on the Southwest Regional Tax Bureau and was a proud member and Past Master of Brownsville Masonic Lodge #60.

Gordon was a faithful member of Abundant Life Church, Uniontown, Pennsylvania.

Gordon Howard Getz will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, veteran, community leader, and man of strong values. His legacy lives on through the family he loved and the community he served.

Arrangements to honor Gordon's life have been entrusted to the caring hands of the DONALD R. CRAWFORD FUNERAL HOME, HOPWOOD, PA. Viewing will be held at Abundant Life Church, Uniontown, Pennsylvania, on Friday, January 23, from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m., with funeral services on Saturday, January 24, at 10:00 a.m. at Abundant Life Church. Entombment will follow at LaFayette Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Intrepid Museum, One Intrepid Square, 12th Avenue & 46th Street, New York, NY 10036 (www.intrepidmuseum.org), or to Abundant Life Church, 1239 Brownfield Road, Uniontown, PA 15401 (www.myabundantlife.org).