Charles Anthony Getto, 69 of Lenexa, Kansas, passed away shortly after sunset on Sunday, November 1, 2020 as his family peacefully surrounded him.
Charles grew up in Lawrence, Kansas, where he graduated from Lawrence High School. He then completed his undergraduate, as a Phi Beta Kappa honor society member at The University of California, Berkeley. Charles earned his law degree at The University of California, Los Angeles, where he was the UCLA Law Review article editor and accepted into Order of the Coif. After a few years in California, Charles moved to Kansas, where he met his wife of 37 years, Carol. He practiced as a civil litigation defense attorney as a partner at McAnany, Van Cleave & Phillips Law Firm in Kansas City, Missouri. He retired in 2017, after 40 years as an attorney.
Highlights from his professional career include being named by Super Lawyers in Kansas and Missouri for his business litigation, The Best Lawyers in America and The Best Lawyers of Kansas City. He was admitted to practice law at the Supreme Court of California and Kansas, and was elected by his colleagues to serve as president of the Earl O’Connor Inn of Court. During his tenure, he was proud to accept the Chapter of the Year award from the American Inns of Court on the steps of the Supreme Court.
Charles was a man of many hobbies and interests. He enjoyed classical music, staying active, both physically and mentally. He was always learning. After he retired he learned 3 languages: French, Italian and Spanish. He made traveling a priority. He and his family would go on trips every year, and after the children got older, he and Carol traveled the world together. Charles spent many weekends working in his garden and improving the forest that bordered his home. In recent years, he became invested in his genealogy and was able to meet a few of his extended family members who reside in Ivrea, Italy. He also learned of his Mayflower ancestry and was nominated for counsel on the board of The Mayflower Society.
Charles was a devoted husband and father. He and his camcorder were known for never missing any of his children’s sporting events and activities.
Charles is survived by his wife, Carol Getto; his son Joseph Getto of Shawnee, KS; his son James Getto and fiancé, Kristen Korona, of Overland Park, KS; his daughter, Elizabeth Sobek, and husband, Elliott Sobek, of Overland Park, KS; his brother Paul Getto of Niceville, Florida; and his sister Jane Getto of Lawrence, Kansas. His parents Dr. Paul and Winnifred Getto preceded him in death.
A private service will be held Monday, November 9th at 10:30 am at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. The service will be live streamed at the following link: https://youtu.be/YOFgc7-u1wg
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Saint James Academy in Lenexa. Assistance by Funeral Advocates, LLC.
Simply a wonderful human being and a great loss to us all. I treasure the many memories of our days together at UCLAW having met each other in our first few days there. He will be sorely missed and I hope the many memories and tremendous love he left for Carol and his children will sustain them all in these difficult days.
My wife and I were so fortunate to have known Charles. Oh hearts go out to your family, we are so sorry for your loss. We are so glad that we were able to spend time with him during the day that had to have been one of the most enjoyable days of his life, the wedding of his precious daughter Liz, we are truly sorry for your loss, our hearts are with you now. God bless your family.
With sincere love, Michael & Maria Munden and the entire Munden family.
Charles was such a good and well-rounded individual. He will be profoundly missed by those who knew and loved him.
Deepest Condolences,
David, Sherrie, Clarus Kincaid
My thoughts are with the family as are prayers. Charles came to our Law Firm when I was in high school and I admired his wit and intellect. I later joined the firm and we became partners and friends. As a partner he was a brilliant sounding board for me and made us all better lawyers.
As a friend I enjoyed his continued quest for knowledge and humor.
God speed
Mr. Getto was such an incredible person that brought so much joy, love, and wisdom into the lives of those that shared in friendship with his family. We are so sorry for your family’s loss, and offer you all the love we possess during these difficult days. For those that had the good fortune of meeting the iconic Chaz Getto, know that his wife and three wonderful children were the treasures he held closest to his heart. We hope the many loving memories he provided us all bring your family peace and warmth.
The Regan Family
I met Charlie in 1988 when I was offered a position at MVP. Charlie was always a consummate professional in not only the practice of law but in everything he approached in life. Charlie taught me so much in my early career, traits I still try to follow in my practice today. An excellent hard working attorney, but more importantly a truly good person. Very sharp witted with a wonderful sense of humor, never an unkind word about his friends, partners, and co-workers, and always ready to give sound advice. Like Charlie and Carol, I adopted my boys and Charlie… Read more »
Charlie was one of the senior partners at MVP law firm when I started with the firm. He was a wealth of knowledge and always willing to take the time to listen and guide the younger attorneys. He was a kind man and a calming presence. I am so saddened to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Sincerely,
Kristina Mulvany
Charles was well established in his career when I joined the firm in 1994. He set a great example for a young attorney of working hard (no opponent ever outworked Charlie), putting out excellent work but being professional and respectful to everyone. I will deeply miss his sharp wit and dry sense of humor which were always a welcome relief.
Charles was a tremendous lawyer but he was even a better person. What a great role model he was to all. He checked all the right boxes: great husband,terrific father, awesome lawyer, always a fun guy to talk to and I never heard him ever say anything bad about anyone . It is truly a big loss but we are lucky to have great memories . Robb King
Charles was not only a good boss but a good friend. I think everyone had conversations with him that will not be forgotten. My prayers go out to his family, I had the pleasure to work with some of his kids also. He will be missed.
Marsha Peterson
Gettos and Klehrs. My love and support.
Charlie was one of the most professional and talented attorneys I had the pleasure of knowing. We were colleagues and friends as shareholders at MVP Law Firm. He gave of his time and talents by teaching other young litigators both in our firm and through Bar associations the craft of trying a case. No attorney was more prepared going into a trial than Charlie. However, my favorite attribute of Charlie was his sense of humor and demeanor. You always knew you would learn something and laugh about something when you were in his presence. God bless you and your family.
How sad Carla and I are at this news. Charles was a tremendous mentor and good friend to so many of us at MVP. Our hearts are with Carol and the entire family. His MVP family missed him since his retirement but will miss him so much more now. Great guy, great lawyer, great partner.
Can’t think of anyone who had more of a drive for living life to its fullest than Charles. I always looked forward to hearing of his travels around the world and what he’d been learning and working on over the years. I’m forever thankful for the time we spent together and the love and support he gave me in everything I did.
All my love,
Weston
Charlie always had a smile on his face at the office. I think he truly loved his work and the law. He also loved Carol and his kids. He enjoyed sharing restaurant recommendations and stories about his recent or upcoming travels. He always seemed to be happy with where he was in the world and what he was doing. Charlie and Carol were very warm and welcoming to me as a young lawyer at the firm. I remember their smiles and the effort they both made in bringing me into the firm family. I was looking forward to hearing stories… Read more »
I had the pleasure of working with Charlie at MVP for many, many years. Not directly, as he was in litigation and I am in comp, but often we would have conversations in the kitchen while he was preparing his always healthy lunch. I thought I ate good – Charlie outdid us all! I admired his wit and knowledge of so many things in life. He will truly be missed. I mourn with you and am praying for you all at this difficult time.
My heart goes out to the entire Getto family. I was fortunate to know Charles through his kids attending St. James Academy. He had a great love for Joe, Jim and Liz and it showed as he was always there for them. I never saw him without a smile and a kind word. He treated all of the coaches and teachers with integrity and kindness. Many prayers from us here at SJA for the repose of his soul and the comfort for the family.
I first met Charles in January, 1982 when I started at MVP. His secretary at that time was one of my first friends at the firm and I was lucky enough to attend his wedding to Carol the following year. The news of his passing hit pretty hard and it seemed unreal. Charles was one of those men that you felt would be around forever, but if 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that no one is invincible and we need to cherish those we love each and every day. This world has lost a wonderful, respected man. Carol, Liz,… Read more »
During my time at the Firm, Charles was often called upon to talk to associates and young partners about how to effectively communicate with clients. He was an shining example of professionalism and always took the time to talk to people about his thoughts and more importantly to make a personal connection with everyone. My prayers are with your family.
Charles has been a close friend for over 40 years. As a young man in the late 70s and early 80s, Charles was not quite a “wild and crazy American guy”, but he enjoyed driving sleek Chevy Camaros. I believe I was with Charles when he met Carol. Perhaps it was love at first sight–they married not long afterwards. When I first worked with Charles at the law firm, he worked closely with John J. Jurcyk, Jr., usually on difficult cases. They complemented each other well. Both possessed great intellect and Charles added organizational talents making them a formidable team.… Read more »