Michael Anthony Gettino

Michael was born on November 2, 1946 to Nick and Mary Gettino in Syracuse, New York. After graduating from Westhill High School, he headed west and landed at Kansas State University for two years before serving in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. Unbeknownst to him, he had an aptitude for languages and picked up Russian quite quickly, allowing him to successfully complete many reconnaissance missions while based in Alaska. He finished up his education at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln and proceeded to move around the country pursuing a career in advertising before calling Kansas City home.

In 1981 he married Paula Szczygiel Gettino of Leavenworth, Kansas, and over the next 33 years, they built the most beautiful life together before she passed away in 2015. Later in life, Michael was lucky to find Maureen Kenny, a wonderful woman whose companionship and shared interests meshed well. They shared eight years of adventures, laughter and love. Whenever they traveled, especially abroad, you just never knew what kind of story they’d come home to tell! In 2020, Michael was officially diagnosed with Parkinson’s. His daughter, Sarah Gettino Owens, provided continual care and support as the disease progressed. The bond they shared was special, and his legacy will live on through her and his beloved grandchildren, Reagan Elizabeth Owens and Kinley Grace Owens.

Michael was often described as being one of the most genuine, honest and loving people by those who knew him, but also by any stranger who happened to cross his path. He just had a way about him – that smile he flashed followed by his contagious laugh was unlike anyone else’s. He was a true empath who went out of his way to help someone in need, and was beyond loyal, to a fault at times, to those he loved. Michael didn’t take things too seriously and relied on his sense of humor to cheer others up. His passions were photography and traveling, and combined he captured the beauty of 48 states, most of which were road trips because he loved to drive. Every summer he’d take the family to his favorite spot in Colorado, creating a lifetime of memories. By his side was his incredibly spoiled Golden Retriever, Sascha, who was his permanent companion on all of his adventures. He was a lover of good food, old wine and hosting countless gatherings with his closest friends on his patio.

While he had many titles, “Dad” and “Papa” were by far his most coveted. He took his role as a father to another level, offering continual support, strength and love to his daughter, Sarah, through the many ups and downs life tends to bring. He always said, “You can do anything you put your mind to,” he meant it, and she believed it - always applying that level of determination to any task at hand. As Papa, he struggled with setting boundaries for his grandchildren. Oreos, shopping sprees, vacations and fancy meals were delivered with the most satisfying smile and received with the utmost gratitude to his generosity.

Michael leaves behind so many people who loved him, and who he loved in return. A special thanks to the incredible care team and to the people who provided unwavering support and love to Michael over the years. It’s not often for one person to touch so many lives in such a positive manner.

A visitation for Michael will be held on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Visitation Catholic Church, 5141 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64112. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 10:00 AM, at Visitation Catholic Church, followed by burial in Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 1011 Desoto Road, Lansing, KS 66043.