Michael Joseph Butera

Michael Joseph Butera, 90, died peacefully at home on Sunday, January 5, 2025. He is survived by his loving wife JoAnn, daughter Karen Black (David), grandchildren Michael and Ana Black, as well as his beloved companion Duke.
Michael was born on January 13, 1934, in Houston, Texas to John and Marguerite Butera. He was a playful and adventurous child. He loved roaming the streets of Houston with his friends, riding his bike to the River Oaks and West Alabama Theaters, and playing pranks on neighbors and friends. When he was older, he went to work in his fathers grocery store, where he developed his life-long passion for food, which was further nurtured by his Italian born mother, who spent most of her days in the kitchen, preparing feasts that no one could ever live up to, no matter how hard we tried.
Michael was always a good student and attended St. Annes Catholic School, followed by St. Thomas High School and St. Thomas University. Upon graduating from college, he entered the Catholic seminary. After being ordained, he served as Assistant Pastor at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Houston, St. James Catholic Church in Port Arthur, and St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Houston. During his time as a priest, Michael spent five summers at the University of Notre Dame, where he earned a masters degree in Guidance and Counseling.
While serving in Port Arthur, Michael met Sister Luke (JoAnn Budde), who would eventually become the love of his life. JoAnn left the convent in August 1969. Michael left the priesthood in December of that same year and the two of them were married on August 7, 1970. Even though Michael was no longer a priest, his heart for service remained strong, and he returned to school to pursue another masters degree in clinical social work from the University of Houston. He spent the next forty years working as a professional counselor, both at St. Josephs Hospital and in private practice.
Michael was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. His love and compassion for humanity ran deep and his passion for life overflowed into all that he did. He had a gift for empathy and was always willing to listen deeply and advise with loving kindness. He touched the lives of everyone he met and he will be dearly missed.
Friends are invited to a visitation with the family from ten oclock until one oclock in the afternoon with a memorial service starting at eleven oclock, on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at Bradshaw Carter Funeral Home, 1734 W. Alabama St. in Houston.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Michaels memory be directed to St. Jude’s, or Houston Pets Alive.
To view the livestream, please click on this link beginning at 10:50 am central time. https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTczNjUyNTU0NzM0NDkxNyZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==
Services
Visitation
Saturday
January 11, 2025
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Bradshaw-Carter Memorial & Funeral Services
1734 W. Alabama St
Houston, Texas 77098
Memorial Service
Saturday
January 11, 2025
11:00 AM
Bradshaw-Carter Memorial & Funeral Services
1734 W. Alabama St
Houston, Texas 77098