Brian R. Butz Sr.

1966 - 2022

Brian R. Butz Sr., 56, of Latrobe, was called home to be with our Heavenly Father on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022. He was born Dec. 31, 1966, in Latrobe, a son of Raymond M. Butz and Dorothy A. Huey Butz, of Latrobe. Brian was owner and operator of Butz Masonry and Excavating. He graduated in 1985 from Greater Latrobe Senior High School and went straight to work, where he began to attain his life's dream of having his own successful business one day. He was employed at General Carbide in his early years but eventually took the bull by the horns and, with much determination and hard work, he started Butz Masonry with just an old white pick-up truck (nicknamed "the old white mare") and his passion and work ethic. While displaying his artistic talent, Brian has created some very beautiful stonework on homes and buildings throughout Latrobe and the surrounding communities. As time went on, he added heavy equipment to his line of work, and Butz Masonry Excavation was born and his dream came true. Brian was a savvy and sharp businessman who also loved to help anyone who needed a hand. He was kind and fair and it's been said that "Brian's heart is as big as he is." He truly had a heart of gold. He grew up on a farm, and every fall he would get out his John Deere tractor and take us all for a hayride. Working was his hobby, but when he wasn't digging with a piece of heavy equipment or plowing snow, he loved going on hunting trips, and at that he excelled as well. Brian was an avid outdoorsman and he recently added a NC bear to his other trophies of deer and elk. He enjoyed riding his Gator, keeping an eye on his property. Brian loved his family and his friends. He and his family regularly attended Word of Life Church, where he recently received water baptism. Brian was richly blessed by the Lord with many people who loved him, and he will be greatly missed. Brian's grandfather, Stanley, was a role model and a huge influence in his life from an early age. His pap taught him to have a strong faith and to love Jesus and farming. He also attended The Father's Heart Ministries. He was preceded in death by his wife's parents, with whom he shared a very special bond, Bruce and Nancy Gray. Brian was a good provider, husband and father. He is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Leaette D. Gray Butz; four children, Ashleigh Lickenfelt (Nevan), of Saltsburg, Brian R. Butz Jr., of Austin, Texas, Jakob Butz (Annie Rause) and Emily Butz (fiance Austin Gray), all of Latrobe; five grandchildren, who he loved spending time with, Joshua, Nevaleigh, Noah and Annaleigh Lickenfelt and Bruce William Gray, and one anxiously anticipated; two siblings, Rae Anne Butz, of Latrobe, and Eric Butz (Stephanie), of Acme; brother-in-law, Bruce H. Gray, of Latrobe; sister-in-law, Nadine Gray, of Forbes Road; very special aunt and uncle, Tom and Judy Butz, of Latrobe; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate the life of Brian from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday in the CLEMENT L. PANTALONE FUNERAL HOME INC., 409 W. Pittsburgh St., Greensburg, PA 15601, 724-837-0020. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in Word of Life Church, 4497 PA-136, Greensburg, PA 15601. Interment will follow in Twin Valley Memorial Park, Delmont. Brian's family has entrusted his care to the Pantalone Funeral Home Inc., Greensburg. For online condolences / directions, visit us at pantalone.com. Natale N. Pantalone, supervisor.