Richard C. Getz

1960 - 2022

Richard "Rich" C. Getz, 61, of Naperville, IL, passed away on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at Edward Hospital. He was born August 26, 1960 in Naperville, IL. He was the son of Vincent C. and Virginia A. (nee Drendel) Getz. Preceding him in death are his parents and his sister, Sandra, and brother-in-law, Curtis. He is survived by his Vizsla dog, Ruby; his sisters, Lynn Schopler of Naperville, IL and Carol (Dennis) Woods of Yorkville, IL; his niece, Nicole Woods; his 2 nephews, Stephen (Jennifer) Schopler and Michael Schopler; 2 great-nephews Alec and Ryan; and 4 great-nieces Isabelle, Elena, Riley, and Haley. Rich held many jobs throughout his life. He stocked shelves at Dominick's before going to technical school and becoming a mechanic at Koller Dodge. Unfortunately, the chronic back pain started and affected him for the rest of his life. He then spent a few years caring for his parents at the time of their passing. He was a serial entrepreneur who always had ideas for businesses. He started a vending machine business but was most busy with the party equipment and moon jumps rentals. He loved making people happy and getting out and meeting people. Unfortunately, his fibromyalgia kicked into overdrive and restricted his abilities. He held various other jobs including Vespa repairman, grandfather clock repairman, pharmacy assistant, grocery deli worker, and finally a mechanic again. In January 2021, Rich was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. He completed multiple rounds of chemo while also researching and trying alternative medicines. Rich was an infectious spirit. He loved to fish, and he loved his dogs. He was a recovering alcoholic who was so proud to be only a few months away from 20 years sober. The family will remember his "Rich's Turbo City", playing in the snow on his snowmobiles, and playing Taboo where his famous starting phrase will forever be, "This is a device…" He was always proud to say that he was one of the last of the Naperville farm kids. In lieu of flowers, memorials to The American Cancer Society. (cancer.org/donate) Visitation: Saturday April 16th 1:00 – 4:00 PM at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 South Mill Street, Naperville, IL. A private interment and future inurnment will be held at SS Peter & Paul Cemetery. For information call 630-355-0213 or www.friedrich-jones.com.