Christopher H. Getman, of Charlestown, RI and New Haven, CT, died after a brief illness on July 9th  2023. His wife of 59 years, Toddie, was by his side.

Born on August 18, 1941 in Syracuse, NY, Chris lost his father in WWII at the age of three. From that time on, the cultivation of meaningful relationships became a defining mission in his life. He did this as a devoted husband, a loving father, a loyal friend, a joyful teacher, a community organizer, a generous philanthropist, a patron of the arts, a zealous —and somewhat wild— athlete, an energetic practical joker, a passionate server of good causes, and a relentless advocate for anyone who needed it. Though he had a reputation for mischief, he never strayed from his strong moral compass. He gave everyone the benefit of the doubt but was intolerant of greed or cruelty.

After graduating from The Hill School (Pottstown, PA), Chris moved on to Yale University. Always grateful for the blessings in his life, Chris considered the opportunity to attend Yale among the greatest. After receiving his M.A. from Reed College and teaching at The Hotchkiss School for 5 years, Chris returned to New Haven in 1970 to work for the Yale Alumni Association and to coach football and baseball. The move back to New Haven marked the beginning of a lifetime of dedication to both the University and its surrounding community. His many accomplishments, and the organizations that he served are too numerous to list, but the highlight reel includes being a recipient of the Elm/Ivy Award; the Yale Medal — honoring outstanding voluntary individual service to the University; Mory's Cup, and the G.H.W. Bush Lifetime of Leadership Award. Chris also served as Chairman of the Alexis de Tocqueville Society of The United Way, was a top fundraiser for the MS Society for more than 30 years, and the winner of the MS Society Hope Award. Throughout his adult life he was a resolute donor of blood, donating more than 21 gallons by the time of his passing despite many surgeries that interrupted his routine. Chris was the longest serving board member of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra. His service to Mory's, the Connecticut Fund for the Environment, the Hastings Center for Bioethical Research, the Special Olympics, the Urban Resources Initiative, and the Community 2000 Education Foundation —among so many other organizations— touched the lives of countless people. One of his greatest delights was being the keeper of Yale's Handsome Dan bulldogs for more than 30 years.

Chris loved his professional careers —first as a teacher and coach, and later as a successful investment advisor— for the ways that they allowed him to connect with people, bring them together, and to share his infectious curiosity, passion, and humor.

A devoted family man, Chris is survived by his wife, Evelyn (Toddie), his daughters Sheila, Hilary and Julia, his sons-in-law John, Erik and Charlie, and by his 6 grandchildren, Glenn, Will (Sherwin), Henry, Evie (Pearson), Chris, and Audrey (Cunningham). He is also survived by an extended family of cousins and step-siblings whom he adored and for whom he served as ringleader, in addition to a wider circle of chosen family who enriched his life immeasurably.

Chris's legacy can be honored by donating blood, feeding the birds, and bringing joy to your heart by listening to music.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

Community 2000 Educational Foundation

https://www.community2000.org/contact-us.html

COMMUNITY 2000 EDUCATION FOUNDATION

PO BOX 1161 - CHARLESTOWN, RI 02813

The Urban Resources Initiative

https://uri.yale.edu/

URBAN RESOURCES INITIATIVE

195 PROSPECT STREET

NEW HAVEN, CT 06511

The M.S. Society

https://secure.nationalmssociety.org/site/Donation

6520 NORTH ANDREWS AVE

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33309

Funeral Services will be held at Trinity Church on the Green, Monday, September 25, 2023 at 11:00.