Michael Mcgettigan

Michael Jude McGettigan, age 66, of Manahawkin, NJ, Formerly of Somerdale, NJ, passed away peacefully with his loving wife by his side on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at home.

Michael was born July 8, 1957, in Nazareth Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. to the late Elmer E. and Catherine Marie (Conlin) McGettigan.  He was a graduate of Paul the IV High School in Haddonfield, NJ, Class of 1975 where he was a member of the school’s marching band. He served as an Alter Boy at Our Lady of Grace Church, Somerdale, NJ. He also served his country in the United States Air Force as a member of the 2nd Combat Communications Group from 1975 to 1979. He was self-employed as a Title Searcher/Abstractor for his company McGettigan Land Abstract, Inc., Manahawkin. Michael was a dedicated and passionate musician/guitarist. He was founder of the rock ‘n’ roll band, PRANKS, which later became McGettigan Turner, which was co-founded by George Turner. Michael, George and their band family created many songs together. Michael and George were co-songwriters of “The Ballad of Danny Faulkner”, who was a police officer who died in the line of duty while serving in the Philadelphia Police Department. The song was written for his widow, Maureen Faulkner. In loving memory of the band members who have gone before him: Ernie Cecchi, Ballard Ricci, and James “Bones” Abrams, and the ones that are still with us: George Turner, Albert Simone, Randy Albert and all the beautiful back-up vocalists. You were all loved dearly and thank you all for the many years of amazing music!

Michael loved music. He loved listening to it, studying it, he loved playing guitar and creating music of his own. Michael loved Philly sports. Phillies, Flyers and most of all the Eagles. In his words, he "bled green." Michael loved his pets. So many cats and dogs throughout his life. He adored each and every one. Michael loved his family the most. He loved his parents, 5 siblings and many nieces and nephews. He loved his daughters, Beth and Kaye. He loved my brother and I. He loved all his grandchildren and great grandchildren. And man, oh man, did he love my mom! Thank you, Michael, for all the love. I'll say "Rest" in Peace, but I really hope you're up there, "Rocking and Rolling" in Peace.

Michael is survived by his loving wife, Anne (Micchelli) McGettigan , his three daughters: Jennifer Longo, Kaye Blanton and Bethany Anderson, his son, William Hetrick, his three sisters: Kathleen McGettigan, Maureen Abiva and Megan Reed, his two brothers: Tom McGettigan and Daniel McGettigan, his grandchildren: Steven, Michael, Justin, Joe, Summer, Trevor, & Briar Longo, Haley, Zachary & Meckensey Hetrick, Joseph Minialga, Chelsey Bergos, Tyler & Austin Blanton, Jason Jr., Catherine, Erica & Grace Anderson, his great grandchildren: Claire Mascitelli and Caeden Leone, his nieces and nephews: Colleen McGee (his God-daughter), Shannon & Emily Druding, William Gerrity, Tom & Sean McGettigan, Brendan & Tori Abiva, RJ, AJ & Maddie McGettigan and Brook & Christian Reed. He is also survived by his many fur babies which are too many to list!

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, September 22, 2023, from 9am to 11:15am at Maxwell-Tobie Funeral Home, 573 Mill Creek Road, Manahawkin, NJ 08050 followed by his Mass of Christian burial, 12:00 noon at St. Mary's Church, 747 W. Bay Ave., Barnegat, NJ  08005. Interment will follow Mass at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Cedar Grove Avenue, Toms River, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in his memory to a favorite animal shelter of choice.