Randy D. Getty

KINGSBURY – Randy D. Getty, 65, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, in the comfort of his home.

Born September 10, 1958, in Glens Falls, NY, he was the eldest son of the late Raymond and Carolyn (Reynolds) Getty. 

Randy graduated from Hartford Central School in 1976. Since the impressionable age of twelve, Randy was operating tractors and even planting corn. His passion for land stewardship, equipment, technology and maintenance was cemented when he won the tractor operator contest at the Washington County Fair, and went on to compete at the New York State Fair.

His outgoing personality, and innovative thinking secured him leadership roles in his youth, and long into his adult years with service on several boards, and community leadership positions including Kingsbury Town Planning, Cooperative Extension, and National Milk Producers Federation.

He married Betty Hitchcock on October 16, 1982 at the West Hebron Presbyterian Church where he was a member. During their 41 years together, they operated Main Drag Farm, in Kingsbury. Each success of their business was celebrated and they learned not to be afraid of taking risks knowing that with hard work (and enough kids to help), they would reap the rewards. He was obsessed in finding efficiencies not only in running the business, but in performing everyday tasks ensuring that time and effort were never wasted. As the next generation took over the business, Randy continued to provide unsolicited insights both loudly and proudly, hoping to influence key decisions. Dubbed Ideal Dairy’s Chief of Acquisitions, he never turned down an opportunity to procure a truck or tractor, or spend time with his grandchildren handing down the skills of equipment operation. As Poppy, there was never enough time spent doting on his grandchildren from reading stories on the couch, munching s’mores by the firepit, or finding a quiet moment to make a loud noise from blowing an air horn, ringing the dinner bell, and doing the “screaming goat.”

This year Randy took what was a debilitating diagnosis and created an opportunity to share his love of the harvest season, educating the public on agriculture, all while raising money for two important causes. In three short weeks he raised over $6,500 supporting Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and The Glens Falls Hospital Foundation connecting people back to the land, and their food source. 

He prioritized both business growth and personal enjoyment, finding opportunities for agri-tourism, and personal relaxation exploring 18 countries and many states across the USA. He brought people together to celebrate life, including planning his own “surprise birthday party.” May we all embrace life like Randy; with innovative thinking, grit and determination, bold creativity, and a serious amount of fun. 

In addition to his parents, and his in-laws, Norman and Marion Hitchcock, he was predeceased by his infant brother Kyle Raymond Getty.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Betty H. Getty; son, Kyle (Rella) Getty, and their children: Ford, Jack, and Neil; daughter, Emily (Nick) Getty-LaFountain and their children: Clay, and Graham; son, Luke (Jessica) Getty and their children: Evelyn, Beau, Grant, and Sutton; son, Tyler (Hillary) Getty and their child: Rory; sister, Diane (Randy) Smith; sister, Sally Getty; sister, Bonnie (Richard) Plue; brother, Terry (Gail) Getty; sister, Rhonda (Gary) Davies; brother, Kevin (Alison) Getty; brother, Brian (Winifred) Getty; sister, Wendy (Jason) Harrington and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and in-laws. 

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to his caregivers: Dr. Darci Gaiotti-Grubbs and her team, the hospice nursing team, countless family, and friends for their supportive care.
Friends may call on the family at The Kingsbury Baptist Church, 1790 Church Road, Hudson Falls, NY 12839, from 11:00am – 2:00pm and 5:00pm – 8:00pm on Thursday, December 28. 

A funeral service will be held at 11:00am Friday, December 29 at The Kingsbury Baptist Church, 1790 Church Road, Hudson Falls, NY 12839.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make donations in Randy’s memory can do so to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or The Kingsbury Baptist Church, ℅ Sylvia Weaver, 153 Dean Road, Hudson Falls, NY 12839