It is with tremendous sadness and heartbreak that we announce the sudden passing of Zdistan (Chico) Getler on Wednesday March 11, 2021 at the age of 71. Beloved husband to Carmelita, his wife, partner and best friend of almost 50 years and cherished father to Vanesa (Ernesto) and Katherine (Michael). Our hearts cannot contain the sadness of his passing but his spirit lives on in his daughters and his five beloved grandchildren Gabriel, Isiah, Milo (Katherine) and Emily and Daniel (Vanesa). He is survived by his siblings Mary and Richard.

Chico was of Polish descent and was born in post war Belgium prior to arriving in Canada in the early 1950’s. His family settled in the Roncesvalles/Parkdale neighbourhood, which was a haven for the Polish community. He built strong relationships in the neighbourhood, which lead to his friendship, courtship, and lifelong relationship with Carmelita Getler who lived across the street on Pearson Avenue. They were wed in 1971 and together they built a beautiful family raising Katherine and Vanesa in the same neighbourhood they grew up in. Chico lived a life of passion that was evident in his love of art, music, history and his family.

He was a free thinker with an interest in ancient history, cross cultural spirituality, holistic medicine and universal meanings. He worked hard to provide for his family and liked to unwind with his prized record collection, taking his daughters on long walks through High Park and vacations to Cuba. Chico was a kid at heart, which made him a playful and loving grandfather who would start epic water fights and watch cartoons and movies with the kids. Family and friends will lovingly remember him as a passionate, kind and caring individual who loved everyone in his unique way.

We would like to thank the doctor's, nurses and staff at Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington for their attentiveness and compassionate care of Chico and our family. Covid restrictions limit the funeral to a private family service to be held on Thursday March 18, 2021. A celebration of life will be held when circumstances allow.