David Arthur Getty, 88, passed away on February 2, 2025. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and unwavering friend, David lived a life filled with adventure, laughter, and dedication. With an unforgettable smile, quick sense of humor, and carefree spirit, he left a lasting impression on all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Born on July 21, 1936, in Schenectady, NY, David was the son of the late Louis H. Getty Sr. and Irene (Mochon) Getty. He was preceded in passing by his brother and sisters, Louis H. (Brud) Getty II, Lois Flacke, and Janet Koert. He is survived by those who will forever carry his memory in their hearts—his devoted wife of 64 years, Mary Ellen; his daughters, Karen Getty Gray and son-in-law Bryan Gray (Colorado), and Cheryl Getty Gondran and son-in-law Gregory Gondran (Dallas); and his cherished grandchildren, Alexandra Gray (London) and Connor Gray (Colorado).

David's strong work ethic and determination were evident from a young age. While attending Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake School in Schenectady, NY, he worked as an auto mechanic, enabling him to attend Hudson Valley Technical Institute in Troy, NY. His career was a testament to his ingenuity—he designed radio receivers for General Electric, experimented with injection-molded timing devices at Sessions Clock Company, and ultimately spent 34 years at IBM, where he left his mark with "Big Blue." Retirement did not slow David down. He continued working as a contract engineer and embraced new challenges, earning certifications in A/C Heating and Refrigeration from Wake Technical Community College and Individual Income Tax Preparation from Jackson Hewitt Tax Service.

Beyond his professional achievements, David was an adventurer at heart. His passion for driving was legendary—from spinning donuts on frozen lakes to sailing and fishing, he was always up for a new thrill. He also found joy in gardening, woodworking, and baking. One of his most cherished memories was meeting the love of his life, Mary Ellen, at Stony Creek Dude Ranch in the Catskill Mountains. A New York City girl, Mary Ellen was drawn to his carefree attitude and adventurous spirit—qualities he later passed down to his children and grandchildren.

A celebration of David's life will be held on February 28th at 2:30 PM in the Point Auditorium on the campus of CC Young, located at 4847 W Lawther Drive, Dallas. A private ceremony celebration will be held in North Carolina.