Gary L. "Butch" Boswell

Gary L. “Butch” Boswell of Shady Side, Maryland passed away at the age of 78 on Sunday, January 25, 2026. He was the devoted son of the late Robert S. Boswell, Jr. and Catherine L. Boswell, and the brother of the late Donna Lee Byars.

Butch was born in Washington, DC and grew up in Anacostia. After serving in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, he graduated from the University of Maryland with a B.S. degree in Marketing. A fourth-generation paperhanger, Butch installed wallpaper for many prominent families and worked with top tier builders in and around the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Before moving to Shady Side, Butch lived in District Heights, Maryland and Falls Church, Virginia.

He loved life – taking ski trips with friends, diving, traveling, boating, and sharing his world with his three dogs – Rosi, Monk, and Sheba. Being on and around the water, especially the Chesapeake Bay, was such a part of him that it seemed to be a strand of his DNA and led him to obtain a Captain’s license.

Butch’s real passion was music. When he was young Butch started singing with his friends in Anacostia, and he played the guitar along with his father. He became a founding member of the popular Washington band “The DC Magnatones,” and for over 40 years he was the vocalist, guitar player, and personality of the trio “Sunrise.” He also performed with other local area musicians and bands, sharing his exceptional talent throughout his life. In addition to performing, Butch composed and recorded his own music.

Butch leaves behind countless friends and family. His voice, friendship, and the jovial, jolly manner in which he greeted and treated the world will truly be missed.

Visitation will be Wednesday, February 4, 2026 from 10:30 A.M. until the time of the funeral service at Gasch’s Funeral Home in Hyattsville, MD, immediately followed by burial at Fort Lincoln Cemetery at 1:00 P.M.

A link to the livestream service will be provided when available on this webpage.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation or American Diabetes Foundation.