There are people who leave their mark on the world through accomplishments and recognition. Then there are those whose legacy runs deeper, living quietly in the hearts of those who knew and loved them.

Frank Frederick "Fred" Getek, 91, of Rome, peacefully entered eternal life on July 5, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on September 19, 1934, to Frank S. Getek and Helen Lasota, he learned the value of hard work, responsibility, and sacrifice from an early age. After losing his mother as a teenager, he helped care for his family-an early reflection of the selflessness that would define his life.

He proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1955 to 1959 aboard the USS Maury, an experience he always remembered with pride. Even while traveling the world, his Catholic faith remained his anchor. Following his military service, he dedicated his career to the carpentry trade, becoming a respected union carpenter with H.R. Beebe for most of his career. He believed in honest work, doing every job well, and providing for his family without complaint. His work ethic, integrity, and humility earned the respect of everyone who knew him.

On September 29, 1973, he married Janet Sue Dobrovich. They grew up in the same Polish neighborhood in Utica, and together they shared more than five decades of marriage, building a home filled with faith, stability, kindness, and unwavering devotion. Their life together was grounded not in grand gestures, but in quiet acts of love and a shared commitment to God and family.

Although he spent his career as a carpenter, the greatest thing he built was a family that always felt loved, protected, and supported. He worked long hours during the week and spent his weekends caring for his home and making time for his children. Whether taking the family fishing, golfing, to field days, church activities, or simply out to eat, he found joy in being together. He rarely missed his children's sporting events and especially enjoyed watching them play basketball at Rome Catholic.

He also found great happiness in the simple things: golfing, bowling, fishing, polka music, and Polish food. After retirement, he played golf nearly every day until his health no longer allowed him. He spent ten years volunteering for the Rome Art & Community Center, where his daughter was executive director, and remained a steady source of support to his children, always ready whenever they needed him.

Above all else, he was a devoted Catholic whose faith shaped his life. He faithfully attended Mass at Transfiguration Church and when declining health prevented him from attending church, he continued watching daily mass on EWTN. His faith never wavered.

He was a quiet, reserved man with a gentle smile, but his love was unmistakable. He expressed it through sacrifice, dependability, generosity, and quiet acts of service. He taught his family that character is measured not by what we say, but by how we live. His humility, kindness, honesty, and steadfast faith remain among the greatest gifts he leaves behind.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Janet; his children, Kristina (Greg) Lose, Kendall (Francesco) Lauri, Lauren (Mark) de Jong, and Gregory (Brandie) Getek; his grandchildren, Hanna Grace, Asher Gregory, Luca Frederick, and Judah Gregory; and a large extended family. He was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Helen, and his brother, Henry Getek.

Friends may call Thursday, July 9, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Church, 210 E. Dominick St., Rome. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Holy Trinity Cemetery, 1500 Champlin Ave., Utica.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN), 5817 Old Leeds Road, Irondale, AL 35210, or through its website.

His hands built many things during his lifetime, but his greatest legacy lives on in the faith he practiced, the integrity he demonstrated, the humility he embodied, and the family he loved so faithfully. We were blessed beyond measure to call him our husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His example will remain with us always.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street, Rome.

Please offer online condolences at: www.barryfuneralhome.com.