CapeCodToday Obituaries

Patrick Butler, 54: devoted husband, father, civic leader

Patrick M. Butler, 54, of Centerville, died Thursday, Jan 1, of complications from surgery following a brief illness.

He was the son of the late William F. and Dawn Butler of Rochester, N.Y., and Cape Cod.

Patrick's love of Cape Cod began while summering in Hyannis Port throughout his youth. In 1968, he moved to the Cape full-time with his family.

In 1985, he married Susan Jameson. Sue and Patrick initially resided in Hyannis Port and later moved to Centerville where they lived with their sons, Jay and Peter.

Patrick graduated from the College of the Holy Cross and Suffolk Law School.

He began his career as assistant district attorney for the Cape & Islands and most recently was a partner with Nutter, McClennen & Fish LLP as manager of its Hyannis office. Patrick specialized in land use and was one of the firm's most successful and well-regarded attorneys. His professional accomplishments were numerous and he was extremely proud of his Nutter "family".

He was a force for good in community and civic organizations. Summering in Hyannis Port during the Kennedy presidency had a major impact on his sense of community service.

When recognized as Hyannis Area Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 1997, he shared in his acceptance speech the impact of the image of President Kennedy walking along the beach near the breakwater in Hyannis Port with these words by the Apostle Luke written beneath it, "For of those to whom much is given, much is required."

Patrick lived by these words. He was on the vestry of St. Peter's Episcopal Church and senior warden at St. Andrew's by the Sea. He actively served on several volunteer boards. Over the years he was chairman of the Cape Cod Healthcare Foundation, president of the board for the Barnstable Horace Mann Charter School, president of the Barnstable Youth Hockey Association and a committee chairman at the Hyannisport Club. He was dedicated to the mock trial program for school children and coached several of his children's sports teams.

Patrick enjoyed his time with family and friends boating in the waters off Hyannis Port, attending a Red Sox game or relaxing at the West Beach Club where he was once a lifeguard.

His interests and passions were varied and included history, aviation, youth hockey, Little League, golf, politics and decadent chocolate desserts.

His boys were his life. He was proud of their accomplishments in academics and athletics. Sue is forever grateful that Patrick's strength of character, honor and respect for others lives on in their sons.

He had a strong spiritual side. Patrick was honored to have officiated five weddings for friends as well as his niece Katie.

Survivors include the love of his life, "Susie" and sons Jay, a senior at Duke University, and Peter, a junior at Barnstable High School; three brothers, William F. Butler III and wife Elizabeth of Hyannis Port, Michael J. Butler and wife Karen of Chicago and Dr. Christopher L. Butler of Pittsburgh; and several nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be at the John-Lawrence Funeral Home, 3778 Falmouth Road (Route 28), Marstons Mills on Monday, Jan. 5 from 3 to 7 p.m.

The funeral service will be at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 421 Wianno Ave., Osterville on Tuesday, January 6, 2009 at 11 a.m. Burial will be private.

A celebration of his life will be held during the summer at St.Andrew's by the Sea Episcopal Church in Hyannis Port.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the Patrick M. Butler Charitable Fund, Cape Cod Foundation, P.O. Box 1630, Hyannis, MA 02601.