Tarey M. Gettys

Tarey Martin Gettys, 64, of Irvine CA, passed to be with the Lord on Saturday June 29th, 2013 while at home with his wife by his side. He was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer within the past year and while his fight was short, his impact on his family, community and all he touched is everlasting.

Tarey was born in Quantico, VA on December 12th 1948, he was the oldest son of Thomas Roddey Gettys and Phyllis Nadine Chessmore. In 1967, upon graduation from Tempe High School, Tarey followed in his father's footsteps and voluntarily enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. A few years later, while stationed in Henderson Hall, Virginia he met his future bride, Blanca. They were married on March 25th, 1972 and spent over four decades as husband and wife, raising 3 children and 4 grandchildren. As a career Marine, he spent 22 years serving his country before retiring as a Master Sergeant while stationed at the Marine Corps Air Station base in El Toro, CA.

Prior to retirement from the Marine Corps, Tarey completed his life-long dream of higher education and earned both a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science and a Masters of Science degree in software engineering from National University in 1988 and 1990, respectively. It was at National University and during the rise of the personal computer that Tarey developed his passion for computers and programming, which led him to his second career as a software engineer.

Upon retirement from the Marine Corps, Tarey became so proficient with computers that in addition to becoming a software engineer, working with companies such as LCE and QMX Support Services, he also spent several years teaching would-be programmers, C++ and Java at Saddleback College.

Tarey enjoyed spending time with his family, reading, programming and visiting his grandchildren. Also, Tarey loved to watch movies and was an avid Netflix and Redbox user. Tarey's life and legacy will always be remembered as being a very loving, compassionate, kindhearted and humble man. As a matter of fact, whenever you asked Tarey, "how are you?" - his answer 100% of the time was, "WONDERFUL!" To his family and everyone who had the honor of knowing him, Tarey was a "WONDERFUL" man who will be missed dearly.

He is predeceased by his brother Vernon Claire Gettys and his mother Phyllis Nadine Gettys.

He is survived by his wife, Blanca Berrocal Gettys, his children, Humberto Javier Gettys, Judy Phyllis Gettys Anderson, Tarey Martin Gettys, his brother; Rod Gettys, his grandchildren; Tarey Dean Gettys, Scott Walter Anderson II, Sabrina Blanca Anderson, and Sienna Irene Anderson.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday July 6th, 2013 at 2:00 pm at Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park & Mortuary 1625 Gisler Avenue Costa Mesa, CA 92626.

Memorial contributions may be made to his wife Blanca Gettys at 14882 LaurelGROVE Circle, Irvine CA 92604.