Obituary: Thomas Vincent Getchell

Dr. Thomas Vincent Getchell, 73, of Longboat Key and Lexington, Ky., died July 20.

Born in Erie, Pa., he earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Gannon College, his Master of Science degree from Villanova University and his Ph.D. from Northwestern University.

In his faculty positions at the University of Pennsylvania, Yale University, Wayne State University and the University of Kentucky, he trained many graduate and postdoctoral students and received numerous awards for his research in neuroscience. He also served as assistant dean of the graduate school at Wayne State University and associate dean for Research and Basic Science at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine.

Dr. Getchell’s interest in genealogy was inspired by letters his great-grandfather penned during the Civil War, leading to the publication of “Orrin’s Story: Patriotism & Love of Country. The Union, Now and Forever.” He had recently become a member of Sons of the American Revolution.

Dr. Getchell’s interest in monitoring college students led him to take a leadership position with the Lexington Opera Society.

Dr. Getchell is survived by his wife of 45 years, Marilyn; sons, Aaron Getchell, of Tampa, and Abraham Getchell, of Lexington; and two grandchildren.

A funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 24, at Cathedral of Christ the King in Lexington.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Catholic Social Services, the Lexington Opera Society, the University of Kentucky College of Medicine or Cathedral of Christ the King.

Milward-Southland, milwardfuneral.com, is responsible for arrangements.