NORWICH – James Albert Getchonis, DDS passed away at his home in Vonore, TN after a five month journey with pancreatic cancer on July 1, 2013. He was born on July 20, 1939, the son of Mary and Albert Getchonis and a graduate of Hamilton High School, Class of 1957.
Surviving are his wife of 50 years, Linda Nevill Getchonis, a son David and his wife Tara of Natick, MA and a daughter Cynthia and her husband Curt Bayer of Ithaca, NY. Granddaughters are Kelly Ann and Kerry Lee Getchonis and Sarah Rose Bayer. A brother Charles Getchonis and his wife Sally of Hamilton, sisters Barbara Frawley and husband Clint of Melbourne, FL, Jean Getchonis of Hamilton and several nieces and nephews.
He was a member of the Cornell Class of ‘61, transferring to the University of Buffalo School of Dentistry and graduating in 1964 with honors. After three years in the United States Army Dental Corp. he chose to practice dentistry in Norwich, NY until 2006.
“Dr. G” will be remembered as a man proud of his family, a general dentist who loved his profession and helping his patients staff achieve their greatest potential, a community and church leader, 41 year member of Rotary International and an avid golfer. Since his retirement he and Linda have enjoyed man adventures during their international travels and their home featuring the beauty of eastern Tennessee.
Those wishing to honor him may make a contribution to The Rotary Foundation, 14280 Collections Center Drive, Chicago, IL, 60693 or online at rotary.org/contribute. Please indicate on the memo line James A. Getchonis and “Polio Plus.” This is a worldwide project spearheaded by Rotary with the eradication of Polio close to being a success.
A celebration of his Life will be held at the Broad Street United Methodist Church, 74 North Broad Street in Norwich on July 27, 2013 at 3 p.m. with the Rev. Thomas Taylor presiding. Following this service there will be a time of fellowship at the Canasawacta Country Club. Those wishing to join the family please indicate by calling Marilyn Kochesrperger at 607-336-1669.