William Michael Gettings, affectionately known as Mike, passed away peacefully March 28, 2026, in Shrewsbury at the age of 92. A man of profound conviction, relentless determination, and boundless love for his family, Mike’s life was a testament to the impact one person can have on those around him.
Born June 10, 1933, in Newton, Mike spent his formative years in Jersey City alongside his cousin, Liz Ortiz. From an early age, he embodied a strong work ethic and quiet confidence, believing deeply in earning his way through life. Mike served honorably as a United States Marine during the Korean War, stationed in Japan. His service was a source of lifelong pride, instilling in him a discipline and sense of responsibility that shaped every chapter of his life.
Following his military service, Mike returned home and met and married his beloved wife, Barbara, at St. Catherine’s Church in East Keansburg. The church was near 109 Williams Ave., which Mike and his father helped build. Their bungalow became a cherished family gathering place for decades, and in the 1980s, it was the backdrop for many joyful summers filled with simple pleasures, like crumb cake from Dixie Lee and days spent at the Tradewinds Beach Club in Sea Bright.
After holding various jobs, Mike joined Ingersoll Rand, focusing on recruiting and human resources, which led to the family’s relocation to Ramsey. A true entrepreneur, Mike founded Gettings & Associates in the early 1980s, an outplacement firm born from his commitment to helping others navigate life’s transitions. He nurtured the business with care and dedication, eventually selling it to Manchester Associates as he approached retirement – a proud milestone that reflected the legacy he had built.
Mike was a devoted family man. He and Barbara shared a life rich with love and adventure, traveling the world and creating memories that spanned decades. Whether walking around the lake in Ramsey or along the shores of Sea Bright, Mike found joy in the simple beauty of nature. He was a cherished grandfather to 12 grandchildren, delighting in their company and treasuring family traditions, especially the festive Christmas celebrations that brought everyone together, including trips to New York City, dinner in Little Italy and the enchanting Snow Village and train display under the tree. He built a tradition when he moved to Sea Bright, gifting each family member a treasure he found on the beach – everything from sunglasses to goggles and fishing lures.
Mike’s generosity extended beyond his family to his community. A steadfast supporter of Catholic Relief Services and Covenant House, his compassion and faith were evident in his daily life. His dedication to these causes was honored with the extraordinary opportunity to meet Pope John Paul II in Baltimore, a moment that deeply touched him. His Christian faith was the cornerstone of his character, guiding his kindness, generosity, and unwavering support for others.
Mike is survived by his loving wife, Barbara; his four children and their spouses, John and Anne, Kim and Paul, Bill and Julie, and Dan and Mariano; and his 12 grandchildren.
Mike lived by a simple yet profound philosophy: Accept, Attune, Adjust. In the 1990s, he began to inscribe this phrase on stones he collected from the beach, sharing them with many to offer comfort during challenging times. Mike even left one in the Holy Sepulcher during a visit to Jerusalem, symbolizing his deep faith and love for the church.
A Memorial Gathering will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. April 30 at John E. Day Funeral Home in Red Bank, followed by a celebratory Mass at 10:30 a.m. May 1 at Holy Cross Church. A repast will follow at McLoone’s Rum Runner in Sea Bright.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Mike’s memory be made to Catholic Relief Services at crs.org or Covenant House at covenanthouse.org.
The article originally appeared in the April 16 – 22, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
