Genevieve (Pontoriero) Getter

Mrs. Genevieve (Pontoriero) Getter, age 96, passed away on Saturday, January 18, 2014 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center. Born in Utica on May 25, 1917, Genevieve was the daughter of the late Girolamo “Jerry” and Ann (Kliss) Pontoriero. Raised and educated locally, she was a graduate of Utica Free Academy. On April 27, 1943 she married John Getter and for nearly 50 years they attended to each other’s concerns and honored their vows, sentiments that remained in her heart to the last day. John passed away on January 25, 1993. During her working life, Genevieve was employed at the Boston Store as a sales clerk, and subsequently worked at St. Elizabeth Hospital as a Ward Secretary, a position well suited for her fastidious personality; it was the position from which she retired. Even though she was a working mother, she was mindful of raising her children and took a leave from her employment during the years she needed to be home. She was also active in the Parent Teacher Association when her children were in school. As a mom, she loved “her boys” and they could do no wrong. Through her support and love, she encouraged them to further their education and be the very best they could in life. A remarkable matriarch, Genevieve built memories around her family. She always remembered each of them with the help of her ‘magic calendar’ reminding her of the special events in their lives. She was most grateful that she was embraced by a family who respected her and her wisdom and made her proud by following through with her visions. She had an affectionate heart and an energetic, independent life force, attributes that kept her young and active and allowed her to keep her own home until very late in her life. Over the years, family gatherings were a blend of both Polish and Italian traditions and bountiful cuisine. Her pastimes included reading from her endless literary collections, and sewing, a skill that she mastered as she could follow a pattern or mend anything with precision and lots of love. Genevieve offered up her daily prayers and petitions in memory of all those who were close to her heart. She was a parishioner of Historic Old St. John’s Church. Genevieve is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Dennis J. and Cindy Getter of New York Mills, Jerome “Jerry” and Sandy Getter of Clinton, and James and Kim Getter of Sauquoit; her grandchildren who affectionately called her “GiGi”, Erica, Cheryl and Matthew Randall; Nicholas and Jessica Getter, Benjamin Getter; Keith Getter, Danielle Getter, and Cory Getter; and her great-grandchildren, Alyssa and Bryson Randall; Clair, Lucy, and Penelope Getter; and Jacob Getter. She held close to her heart the memory of her great-granddaughters, Isabella Marie, Emilee Rose, and Madison Jean who passed before her. Also left to remember her life are her sisters, Delores Hameline, and Joan Infusino; and her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her brother and sister-in-law, Pat J. and Vincenza Pontoriero; her sister and brother-in-law, Marie and George Fitzgerald; her brothers-in-law, George Hameline, and Vincent Infusino, Jr.; and several in-laws of the Getter family. The family extends appreciation to the staffs of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center and the St. Joseph Nursing Home; they catered to Genevieve’s needs with gentle affection and concern. Visitation will be held Monday from 5:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be considered to Historic Old St. John’s Church; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Genevieve’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Tuesday morning at 10:00 at Historic Old St. John’s Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. John Buehler. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Genevieve (Pontoriero) Getter

May 25, 1917 - January 18, 2014