RICHARD O'LEARY GETTE, DMD
CLASS OF 1978
Rick Gette was born February 17, 1960 to two loving parents Martha and Richard Gette. He spent 8 years at St. John's Catholic Grade School where Father Carrick and Sister Benna helped his parents instill respect and a moral compass. During his time at St. John's he was lucky to have Cal Shreve as his basketball coach. This helped him find a love for basketball that he still has today. He was able to start in 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade and leave St. John's as its all-time leading scorer. Also during those formative years he was lucky enough to participate in the Mini-Basketball Program run by Larry Seneta, Bud Boyce and Bob Ryan.
In the Fall of 1974, Rick entered the brand-new Girard High School in its first year. Rick spent 1 year helping Girard's 9th grade basketball team win the Northwestern Tournament. He started Varsity for all 4 years in tennis, golf, track and basketball. Highlights included 2 time All County Basketball County Champs (1978), and 5th in the District 440-yard dash. Rick was fortunate to have Larry Seneta as his sophomore basketball coach and Dick Holliday as his head coach junior and senior years.
Between the nuns at St. John's and the teachers at Girard High School, including Mrs. Nenonen, Mrs. Wintrode, Mr. Barber, and many more, he was able to attend Washington & Jefferson College (78-82) and Pitt Dental School (82-86). In August of 1986, Dr. Gette joined O'Leary Dental Group as a dentist, where he still practices today.
As a young adult, he immersed himself in community organizations and coached basketball. Memberships included the Knights of Columbus, the Northwest Jaycees, FLAG Exchange Club and Elk Creek Rec Board. His coaching stints included St. John's 5th and 6th grade boys' basketball for 7 years and Girard 7th and 8th grade girls' basketball for 3 years.
Rick married his beautiful wife, Duryea, in 1991 and has been blessed with 4 wonderful children, Chelcie, Gabrielle, Richard (RJ), and Alexis.
Other than 8 years at college and Dental School, Girard has been Rick's home for 50 plus years. The Community of Girard helped him and has blessed him with a wonderful life to this point. Rick is very humble and proud that Girard is recognizing him for his accomplishments and for the small amount that he has been able to give back.
