John Butler

John R. Butler VIRGINIA BEACH - On Dec. 6, 2010, retired U.S. Navy Master Chief John R. Butler passed away peacefully at home after a courageous battle with lung cancer. John was born Dec. 7, 1948 in Ashland, Pa. He was the son of Rosemary and Stephen Butler. The oldest child of four, John was a loving and devoted son and brother. Early in life, he met the love of his life, Patricia Butler. They married on June 12, 1971. Although too brief, they shared a deep and abiding love. Together, they had three wonderful children, Michele, Michael and Robert. He guided their lives with never-ending love and wisdom. John was a combat veteran of the Vietnam conflict, the Persian Gulf War and Operation Desert Storm. He retired in 2000 after 30 years in the service, and although he was devoted to the military for many years, it was his family that defined him. Left to cherish his memory are Patricia Butler, his wife, best friend and soul mate of 39 years; his three children, Michele Seay, Michael Butler and Robert Butler of Virginia Beach; his sister, Mary Ellen Giorno and husband Nicholas of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; brothers, Jim Butler of Girardville, Pa., and Francis Butler and wife Sandra of Boca Raton, Fla.; sister-in-law, Mary Ellen O'Hara and husband Joseph of Warminster, Pa.; brother-in- law, Arthur Horan and wife Doreena of Philadelphia; his cousins, nieces, nephews and the entire Butler family. John had a special gift for friendships. He leaves behind his close friends, Emma and Larry Roby, Charlene and Hal Pease, Rick Slack, his golf buddies, and many more countless friends too numerous to mention. You made John's days brighter, especially in recent times. John will always be remembered for his unwavering love and devotion to his wife and children and will be truly missed as a great person, friend, brother and shipmate. On Nov. 6, 2010, Michele, Michael and Robert paid tribute to their dad and his battle with lung cancer by participating in the Race for Breath 5k, raising money for the Lung Cancer Alliance. The children would like to ask that, if desired, memorials be made to the Lung Cancer Alliance, designating your gift in honor of John R. Butler at www.lungcanceralliance.org/donate/loved_ones.htm. Visitation will be held Friday, Dec. 10, from 6 to 8 p.m. in H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Laskin Road Chapel. A memorial service will be held at The Chapel of the Good Shepherd, Naval Air Station Oceana Saturday, Dec. 11, at 10 a.m. Anyone attending must have valid ID to enter NAS Oceana. Interment with full military honors will take place at Arlington National Cemetery Feb. 16, 2011 at 3 p.m. Online condolences may be made at hdoliver.com. We love you always, Dad!