Daniel Butler

1962 - 2024

Daniel Blair Butler, age 62, of Woodsboro MD; who created so many wonderful memories for many of us left behind, peacefully took his last breath on earth at his home Monday, July 8, 2024.

Daniel (Dan, Danny, Dan the Man) was born June 8, 1962, in Warner Robins, Georgia, the son of Carolyn S. Brown and Donald R. Butler, who both proceeded him in death. Also preceding him in death were his maternal grandmother to whom he was devoted, Leatha C. Brown (Nana); his nephew, Anthony Daniel D'Allura and Blair W. Ensor.

Dan is survived by his wife Donna Damazo Butler, with whom he shared his life for over 30 years; his son Daniel Blair Butler, Jr; and his stepsons Dwight D. Wise and Justin M. Wise. He was an exceptionally special GPa to Briana Daniele Butler, Kaelynn Wise, Brody Wise and Mark Cooke.

Dan is also survived by his sister Debra Butler D'Allura, niece Aimee D'Allura with husband Michael Trueblood and their son Warren. Others who had a signification impact on Dan's life at various stages were his stepmother Betty J. Butler and her children with whom he was raised, as well as the mothers of his G-Kids; Sara Cooke, Kim Butler and Devyn Wise.

Dan (Danny) graduated from Frederick High School in 1980 and had already started making his mark in the business world. The next 44 years he was key in many organizations focused on Security & Technology Integration. Beginning as an 18-year-old in the ceiling of the pentagon pulling wires for surveillance cameras, to being President of Progressive Systems Integration, previously Lensec where he helped expand the company and mid-Atlantic region for the last 17 years.

In 1996, Dan took a career detour into the restaurant world following a dream from childhood by establishing, owning and operating Manhattan Bagel in Frederick for four years. In every organization, Dan received awards of excellence, was appreciated for his innovative thinking and problem solving, industry expertise but most of all for his ability to coach, mentor, motivate and professionally develop those within his scope of influence.

From a young age, Dan was focused on food - good cooking and lots of variety. His love of food started with helping his Mother and Nana at the family owned restaurants; Porter's Grill and The Downtowner in Frederick. For the rest of his life, any hour of the day Dan had a new food inspiration, so he and Donna did new recipes and danced in their gourmet kitchen daily. Dan became an accomplished chef and his years of experimenting within the BBQ world were successful as he became a "Pitt Master", BBQ Judge and at home each weekend produced something fantastic on one of his 6 grills or smokers. His favorite and last purchase was a Stump's Smoker. Traveling always included gourmet destinations and Dan had a huge library of ancient and contemporary cookbooks.

Dan enjoyed fishing his entire life. He became an accomplished sportsman and travel destination often included unique fishing experiences. He set the hook everywhere from the Monocacy wadding close to home, a cabin on the Potomac as a child, to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Florida, from Portland Maine to Portland Oregon and Hawaii. Dan and Donna had boats and frequented lakes always looking for the perfect place to retire.

Retirement was different than expected due to illness, so the eternal love lock engraved with "we had it all" will now to be placed on his home with 5 wooded acres, he loved and called his retreat for over 23 years. Dan is famous with his neighbors as being the guy with the "huge" snow thrower on his Deere tractor who eagerly wishes for snow and gets up early at the sight of any snow to clears all the driveways around his home.

With the birth of his first grandchild in 2007, the new focus became having adventures with GMa and GPa. Specially planned twice monthly overnights started when they were infants, then weekends and vacations and river floats were enjoyed by all for the next 17 years. Each excursion or visit started with GPa at the candy store filling up huge treat bags.

Dan always loved dogs and boxers were part of his life for many years. His current two best friends who are now dejected and sad are Reno and Rea - a brother and sister. Preceded in death were his other boxers Mason, Mea, Maverick and Major. Each was treated with specially bought toys, cooked chicken and hours of time at the river.

Dan had a strong spiritual life which was strengthened in 2022 when, after his initial pancreatic cancer diagnosis, he had a miracle surgery which extended his life the additional years.

If you spent time with Dan, you certainly have heard him talk about the weather, his focus on the signs in the sky, planet X and listened to one of his many jokes he shared daily and everywhere he went.

Two of his favorite words were "classic" and "adequate". When asked by anyone, "How are you" he responded with "adequate" and almost always got a smile in return; however anyone who knew Dan, knows he was never "adequate" a day in his life - he was always extraordinary and will be eternally missed.

The family will receive friends and guests at Resthaven, 9401 Catoctin Mountain Highway, Frederick, MD 21701 between 11:30 and 1:00 on Saturday, July 20, 2024. The service will follow from 1:00 - 2:00pm. Final resting in the Chapel Mausoleum will be by invitation only and at another time.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mercy Hospital - Surgical Oncology Team where Dan received exceptional medical care. The specific foundation site is: heatit@mdmercy.com. Daniel Butler