Peter Michael Getz

He was born on January 27, 1945, in Jersey City, New Jersey, to the late Edward and Elizabeth Howard Getz. Peter grew up in Englewood, New Jersey, and attended the Englewood School for Boys. A gifted student, he earned a full scholarship to Brown University, graduating in 1967. While at Brown, he participated in the Air Force ROTC and later volunteered for service in Vietnam. During his military career, Peter was stationed in Karat, Thailand, as an avionics officer overseeing F-111 planes and aircraft carrying Agent Orange. He concluded his service as a Captain with the Strategic Air Command at Warner Robins Air Force Base in Georgia.

Following his military service, Peter pursued an MBA at Georgia State University. While living in Atlanta, he met and married Elizabeth “Libby” Honeycutt, a nurse who became the love of his life. The couple eventually settled in Columbia, South Carolina, to be closer to family. Peter was a devoted member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church. In 1978, Peter opened Getzby’s Deli in Jefferson Square, which he operated until its closure in 1990. He later served as a hospital administrator for South Carolina’s state mental health hospitals until his retirement.

Peter is survived by his beloved wife Libby; his sons Alexander (April) Getz and Matthew Getz; his grandchildren Anna Grace and Adam Getz; and his brothers Doug (Jucara) Getz of New Jersey and Richard (Donna) Getz of Texas. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Greenlawn Cemetery, followed by a memorial service at noon at Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Columbia. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation or the Parkinson’s Foundation.