Robert D. Gettings

Obituary

Robert “Bob” Duane Gettings, age 99, of New Smyrna Beach, FL, peacefully entered final rest in the early morning hours of December 25, 2025, surrounded by many loving and devoted family members. He joined his heavenly family members, including his wife Polly and their daughter Linda, on Christmas Day.

Bob was born in New Castle, PA to George Robert Gettings and Mabel Alice Sankey Gettings on March 27, 1926. A few years later, his younger brother, George Gettings was born. The family moved frequently during their childhood, and it seems George’s mission, following each move, was to tell the ‘new neighborhood guys’ that his brother (Bob) could beat up their brothers!

Bob was a wonderful husband, and a treasured father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and friend to many. One neighbor recently described Bob as “a Man’s Man”. His devotion and love for his family were the center of his life. He is survived by 2 of his 3 daughters, Judy Saxon and Cindy Mead. His middle daughter, Linda Schell, passed in September, 2024 from complications of Myelodysplastic Syndrome. Bob’s wife and love of his life, Emma Pauline “Polly” Williams Gettings, preceded him in death on March 6th, 2018, following 73 years of marriage

In 1944, Bob joined the Navy, proudly serving his country. There, he received special training that ultimately led him to become employed by General Electric Co., where his contributions were integral to the success of the space program while in its early stages at Cape Canaveral. During this time, the family lived in Titusville 1956-1960.

Around 1958, Bob and friend, Walt Nelson, decided that New Smyrna Beach would be a wonderful place to build a bowling facility. Thus in 1960, New Smyrna Lanes was completed on the North Causeway. Bob & Polly moved their family to NSB in 1960 where they shared in the ownership/management of the Lanes until it was sold in 1979. With NSB High School also located on the Causeway near the Bowling Lanes, it seemed a natural fit for offering bowling classes to students. Thus Bob is remembered by many students and generations thereafter.

After ‘retirement’ from the bowling lanes, Bob helped with construction of the New Smyrna Beach Dunes Boardwalk. He also built multiple homes in New Smyrna and Edgewater. He was a true “jack of all trades” and could build or fix almost anything. His children and grandchildren soon learned to NOT mention anything that needed to be repaired, — unless they were ready to do so that very moment!

Bob always had a love of flying, and earned his single engine pilot’s license, while still in his thirties. He was a long-time avid Gator fan. He also enjoyed bowling, playing poker with friends, and cruising.

Bob and Polly loved their family, and warmly welcomed Judy, Linda, and Cindy’s friends into their home, caring and loving them as one of their own

Bob especially enjoyed his “Doster Drive” and “Hidden Pines” neighbors, and always liked visiting with them.

Bob is survived by:

2 Daughters: Judy Saxon and Cindy Mead

2 Sons-in-Law: Bill Schell and Cole Saxon

6 Grandchildren: Cassie Schell Reiss (Dave), Crystal Mead (Lyle Patterson), Billy Schell (Kathy), Casey Saxon (Joel Wilson), Tiffany Mead (Jason Hamilton), and Cade Saxon (Amanda)

9 Great Grandchildren: Kaitlyn & Carter Reiss, Kayleigh & Bryce Schell, Wyle & Juda Wilson, and Becket, Luca, & Atticus Saxon. Plus, Ozzie his beloved Great-grand dog who gently protected Bob and was his constant golf cart companion.

12 Nieces and Nephews

All of us will forever miss his smiles, hugs, kisses; his affinity for ‘occasionally colorful’ vocabulary choices; his strong hands as he would hold our hand, his teaching of construction techniques; and most of all, we’ll miss hearing his “I Love You” as every phone conversation ended, and every time we would part company.

So yes, perhaps his neighbor’s characterization was accurate: Bob was “a Man’s Man”; and our family would add: “coupled with being a gentle, kind man, – who easily showed his love of family and friends”.

Bob had requested to be cremated, and wished for no formal service to be held. He also requested any donations to be made to Myelodysplastic Foundation: mds-foundation.org — in memory of his daughter, Linda Gettings Schell.