Arthur 'Art' E. Getchell

Arthur E. “Art” Getchell, 94 of Meadville, passed away on April 5, 2024 at Meadville Medical Center. Art was born in Augusta, Maine on August 23, 1929 to the late Warren and Gladys Getchell. His family moved to Meadville in 1935 and he was a graduate of Meadville High School. Art worked for Meadville Telephone which became Alltel for 44 years.

Art was wholeheartedly involved in the Meadville and Crawford County community. He was a founder of the Meadville Thunderbirds and the Crawford County Scuba Team. He served as President of the Local IBEW 2089 for 20+ years, as Captain for S.B. Dick Hose for 20+ years, on the Crawford County Labor Union Council for 20+ years, and on boards for VNA, Waste Management, United Way, and MAIC. He was well known for his involvement in the Crawford County Fair and owning “Art’s Place” at the fairgrounds for 54 years where he was known as “Mayor of the Midway” and the go-to-guy at the fair.

He was an active volunteer for many events locally including the March of Dimes – Walk for America, American Cancer Society, and the Sertoma Club. He received many awards for his selfless volunteer work: Rotary Person of the Year – 1985, Outstanding Member Award – 1991 from the Crawford County Labor Union Council, Volunteer of the Year Award – 1994 from the Cancer Society, Rescue Diver Award – 1995 from Diver’s World, and Outstanding Citizen of the Year – 2001 from Meadville Elks 219.

Amidst his community involvement, Art still made it his priority to be a loving husband and father. He married his wife, Linda Hoopes Smith, on October 29, 1977, sharing 46 years together. He is also survived by nine children: Barbara (Bruce) Lallier; Marsha (Tony) Herrera; Mark (Beverly) Getchell; Cheryl (Dennis) Mattern; Lisa (Jeffrey) Chivers; Dale (Michelle) Smith; Thomas Smith; Gina Foulk; and Renee (Kevin) Haylett, twenty-one grandchildren: Julie; Justin (Shasta); Steve; Jim (Jenny); Amy (John); Erin (Brantley); Ellen (Jayson); Darek; John; Elaine; Sarah (Brian); Crystal; Jeffrey; Kyle (Becca); Ryan (Samantha); Darren (Taylor); Dereck; Morgan (Drew); Matthew; Benjamin; and Lauren, numerous great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins, and son-in-law: Larry.

In addition to his parents, Art was preceded in death by his daughter: Yvonne “Bonnie” Kilburn, his beloved pet and sidekick, Cody, and three brothers: Warren, Norman, and Halver Getchell.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to ROSE AND WAID FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, INC. 581 Chestnut Street, where visitation will be from 1 – 3 pm & 6 – 8 pm on Wednesday, April 10. A funeral service will take place at the funeral home on Thursday, April 11, at 11 am with Rev. Dustin Heath, Meadville Medical Center Chaplain, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Art’s name to the Crawford County Scuba Team, Crawford County Humane Society, or the charity of one’s choice.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.RoseAndWaidFH.com