Francis A. Butler
1936 - 2021
Francis “Fran or Franny” Aloysius Butler passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family on June 6, 2021. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on June 17, 1936, Fran was the son of the late John F. Butler, Sr., and Loretta A. (Diskin) Butler. Fran was preceded in death by his siblings John F. Butler, Jr., James P. Butler, and Loretta Vanover. He is survived by his sister and partner in crime, Patricia Albert. In 1954, he received his High School Diploma from West Catholic High School.
In 1956, Fran met his beautiful bride, Eileen (McMonagle) Butler, in Wildwood, New Jersey. In 1958, they were joined in Holy Matrimony in Nativity B.V.M. Roman Catholic Church in Port Richmond. Fran was a devoted husband to Eileen for 63 years. They had 6 children, 7 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Upon his passing, Fran was eternally reunited with his 3 sons, who preceded him in death, Fritz Butler, Joey Butler, and PJ Butler. He is survived by his wife Eileen and his children, Tim Butler, Jimmy Joe Butler (Cathy), and Eileen Butler (Stefan Chirastau). He was affectionately called “Pop Pop,” by his beloved grandchildren, Colin Butler (Alexa), Shannan DePalma (John), Bridget Butler, MaryCate Butler, James Butler, Patrick Butler, Abby Butler. His legacy continues through his 3 great grandchildren, Lucy DePalma, Fritz DePalma and Harper Butler.
A proud veteran of the U.S. Army, Fran was stationed in Greenland during the height of the Cold War at the Strategic Air Command Base: BMEWS (Ballistic Missile Early Warning System). When he returned to civilian life, Fran owned and operated a state inspection business, and he worked for the Philadelphia Carpenters Union as a certified welder. His most cherished work experience was the 21 years he spent at St. Joseph’s University (SJU) as a carpenter. He loved to reminisce about his time at SJU, and he often recounted the party that was held for him when he retired at age 75. He was presented with the Golden Hammer Award, which remains proudly on display in his workshop. All who knew and loved Fran admired his remarkable work ethic in all aspects of his life.
Fran was a fisherman, who had a deep love of the ocean. Teaching his children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends how to fish brought him true happiness. Through fishing, he made lifelong friends and gained valuable life lessons, which he passed on to his family and friends. Fran could fix and build anything, and he grew tomatoes in his backyard every summer for decades. Fran loved the Philadelphia Phillies, country music, and he played the guitar.
Fran’s greatest joy in life was his family. He had a unique relationship with each family member and friend. He will be remembered for his humble nature, his sense of humor, his smile and blue eyes, his quiet strength, and his absolute devotion to his family.
Relatives and friends are invited to his Viewing Saturday 9am at St. Dorothy Church, 4910 Township Line Road, Drexel Hill, where his Funeral Mass will follow at 10:30am am. Int. SS. Peter and Paul.
The Funeral Mass will be live-streamed on the YouTube channel of Saint Dorothy Parish.
https://www.stdotsdrexelhill.org
.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Francis A. Butler, please visit our floral store.