Harold Lee Getty

It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Harold L. Getty on May 27, 2023, in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Hal will be sadly missed and always remembered. He was predeceased by his parents, Leland and Ruth Getty of Burlington, Vermont. Hal is survived by his love, Darlene Coryea, his kids Amanda Benedict, Michael Getty, their mother Kathy Getty, Melissa Robson, and Kellen Robson. Papa/Grandpa Getty is loved and will be missed by his grandkids Cora and Charlie Benedict, and Charlotte and Kieran Robson. He is also survived by his brother Richard and Janet Getty, Eric and Dayna Olson-Getty, and Matthew and Holly Getty and their families.

Hal excelled at educating and serving the community as a coach, teacher, referee, cub scout leader, snack bar manager at the Essex Junction Recreation Department, deckhand and informal social director of the Champlain Valley Ferry. In Vermont, Hal enjoyed many summers caring for Allan McIllvaine’s expansive lawn in South Burlington. But, most of all he was a passionate parent, partner, son, and friend. He was at his best when telling a story, laughing at a joke, or enjoying a nice meal. He easily turned everyone he met from strangers into friends, and he was dedicated to doing anything he could to help the community.

Hal retired from teaching at Harwood Union High School in Moretown, Vermont, where he was a physical education teacher for over three decades, including a few years teaching at the American Community School of Beirut early in his career. When asked “What do you teach?” he always replied, “I teach kids.” Hal taught physical education (“Gym who?!”) and he cared for his students and his community deeply. He has been an inspirational role model for countless students and teachers over the years. He took great pride in helping his students set up their futures, whether that meant improving a forehand, a jump shot, or offering tidbits of life advice. Most of all, he loved hearing updates from students years after graduation, as he always took great pride in his students no matter what path they chose.

In addition to officiating both NCAA and high school basketball and soccer, he took time to coach varsity basketball at Harwood, local Little League, and Babe Ruth baseball, as well as coaching AAU basketball teams. If not coaching, he was always cheering at his family’s games, dance concerts, and the occasional comic convention. Whatever his kids were into, he wanted to be there to support them.

After retirement, he worked at the Lake Champlain Ferry (Spare-Hal!) bringing people across the lake, and offering up conversations to help them pass the time. Taking pride in one’s work is a value he held extremely close to his heart, and he thrived working as a part of a team.

Upon relocating to Florida, he found great joy in attending spring training games, enjoying the laughter and splashes of his grandkids in the pool, and becoming a social regular at the Tarpon Springs Golf Course. Hal loved playing golf regularly with great friends who enjoyed his infectious laugh, his stories, and his love of the game. Most of all, he loved spending joyous times with his beloved Darlene.

We will all miss Hal terribly. A small, private celebration of his life will be held both at his home in Tarpon Springs, and another will be held in Vermont this summer. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to the American Heart Association.