WILLIAM L GETTENS

Obituary for William Leroy Gettens

March 31, 1928 – December 12, 2024

William Leroy Gettens, affectionately known as Bill, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones. His nearly century-long journey was marked by a deep love for family, friends, and his beloved hometown of Leominster, MA, as well as an enduring legacy of kindness, humor, and service.

Bill was born on March 31, 1928, to Leroy Ambrose Gettens and Arlene Emma Moran Gettens. Raised in Leominster, Bill’s early days were spent playing with his sister Janice and friends in "The Patch" and attending Priest Street School, where his knack for adventure was already apparent. After graduating from Leominster High School in 1946 and completing a year at Cushing Academy, Bill married Cecile Laura Rouleau, his lifelong partner, on August 16, 1947. Together, they built a life filled with joy, laughter, and cherished memories.

Bill began his career at Foster Grant, following in his father’s footsteps. Over nearly 50 years, he rose through the ranks to become the youngest plant manager of the Manchester, NH branch and later served as Director of Worldwide Purchasing and Fleet Manager. His work took him across the globe, yet his heart was always in Leominster and summers at Spec Pond, where he taught generations of his family to sail and dive.

Bill’s life was a tapestry woven with strong friendships and vibrant community involvement. From childhood antics with lifelong friends Manny Donfro, Mike Fantozzi, and the Dave Curley gang, Butch Quinn, Skippy Salvatore to his later years with Bob Blanchflower, Bill was known for his warmth and sense of humor. Whether through his work at Foster Grant, his time at Saint Leo’s Church, or his presence at local events, Bill left an indelible mark on everyone he met.

He and Cecile shared a love for travel, skiing, and adventure, exploring Europe, Mexico, and the British Isles and savoring winters in Marco Island, FL. Yet, their happiest moments were spent with family, cheering on their grandchildren at sporting events, and sharing stories by the shore of Spec Pond.

Bill is predeceased by his beloved wife, Cecile, who passed in 2023. He is survived by his daughters, Christine Bell and husband Albert Bell and Nancy Houlihan and husband William Houlihan; his grandchildren Ryan Bell and wife Candice, Elizabeth (Bell) Triconi and husband Christopher, Allison (Houlihan) Conway and husband Timothy, Caitlin (Houlihan) Golino and husband Brian, and Lauren (Houlihan) Weeder and husband Noah; and his 10 great-grandchildren Ethan and Eva Bell, Natalie and Edward Triconi, Darcy and Bryn Conway, Margaret and Gemma Golino, and Louise and Paulette Weeder. He also leaves his sister, Janice Joralemon of Chattanooga, TN, her sons Billy Mincks and JJ Joralemon, and many cousins from the Gettens, Moran, Burnap, Farnsworth, and Rouleau families.

Bill’s legacy is one of boundless generosity, quick wit, and devotion to his family and community. He will be remembered as a man who celebrated life in all its forms, from the beauty of a sunset at Spec Pond to the joy of a family gathering.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Saint Leo’s Church in Leominster on Tuesday December 17th, at 11:00AM.  Burial will follow in St. Leo’s Cemetery

  Calling  Hours are private.

 In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Leominster Public Library 30 West Street, Leominster, MA 01453. 

Here’s to nearly a century well-lived. Rest in peace, Bill—you were truly one of the good guys.

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