Patrick Butler Obituary

Thank you for the chance to remember Mr. Butler once again. He is a man worthy of praise for all of his accomplishments, and for all he did for so many of his students. Many of the memorial comments reference him treating us like his own children, and in no uncertain terms, he absolutely did. I personally will never forget him, and always remember him fondly from my time at JFK. Mr. Butler, if I can summon your spirit, I hope and pray that heaven is all you wondered it would be, and that you are earnestly enjoying forever with your family, friends and the students who think the world of you.

John Doherty , JFK-81

Just saw that my beloved speech teacher had passed. God bless you Mr.B, with out you changing my grade, I wouldn't have gotten into college and become a teacher myself. Mr B was the only one to allow me to bring real guns to school and talk about them, their artistry and workmanship. Back then you could do it.

Bill Jacoby '67

So sorry to hear of Mr. Butler's passing. 30 years later, and I still can recall every play I was in, every paper I wrote for him in English class, every personal discussion we ever had. PJB left a legacy that spanned generations, and we are all better off for having been privileged to know him.

Mr Butler may have not had any children of his own but he had many children who loved and respected him. Wonderful man, one in a million, he lives in my heart to this day. The world needs more men and teachers like him, Rest in Peace Mr. Butler till we meet again.

Mr. Butler was not only a cool teacher but got me to enjoy literature because no one could bring to life a character like he did. He really enjoyed what he did and got me to appreciate the arts even 45 years later. Who didn't want to be in drama class..the way he directed, the way he spoke, the way he made eye contact with each person and made you feel special. I'm sure we all remember him giving us etiquette tips before prom night so we wouldn't embarrass ourselves on such a special night. JFK was blessed to have such a high regarded teacher as there will NEVER be another one quite like him. Mr. Butler has taken his last bow.

So sorry to have missed the services. Mr. B was an inspiration to many of us in the Kennedy Players. We learned a lot from him without even realizing it! Hope he inspires many generations of teacher to come! Class of 1980.

Never in his class but remember him as a teacher who did not bear a teacher's persona. He seemed to be one of us rather than one over us.

It is people like Mr. Butler that led me to become a teacher. He was a true servant of humanity. He not only taught in the classroom but he taught every time you met him. I will miss him.

Mr. Butler was a great man and inspired the rest of us to be the same. Never an ill word, just wholesome goodness and a true heart. All who ever attended JFK reaped the benefit of his knowledge, kindness and wit. RIP Mr. Butler, in time we will meet again. John Doherty - Class of 1981

I owe more to Mr. B. than he could ever have known. He not only intoduced me to the world of theatre and performance, but also taught me many life lessons in general. He even introduced me to coffee on our class trip to Hawaii. He was a wonderful teacher, exceptional mentor and role model anyone would be proud to follow. I remember my years with the Kennedy Players foundly every time I am involved in another production in my life. Thank you for everything you taught me about English, literature, theatre and Life in general. You will always be remembered and loved.
Anxious Andy - JFK Class of 79

One of the best teachers Kennedy H.S. ever had.

Vic Erickson
Class of 1986

So sorry to hear of the passing Mr. Butler . Enjoyed his direction while playing percussion during his musical productions. I know you are directing another play up in Heaven. One day again this crazy drummer will be playing for you.

You were the reason I became a teacher. Your example, I am sure, inspired others to become the best they could be. I am deeply saddened that we have all lost a wonderful teacher, friend, family member.
I will always remember my time at Kennedy H.S., under his tutelage, with great fondness.

Diane Cabalar Breitenbach
Class of '68

My condolences to the family of Mr. Butler. Always my favorite teacher, I remember that I needed to change from jeans to a skirt before entering the mobile unit where he taught, learned prom etiquette including that garters were a sign of giving away your virginity and should be saved for weddings and not proms and being able to be a part of Carousel and South Pacific. He was amazing and God has gained a real angel and I am grateful for ALL he taught me.
Karen Rogers Luebke - Class of 71

Mr. Butler one of the kindest people I ever met and a wonderful teacher. I will never forget you.
Janet Bubly Kuch class of '68

I am too sad for words. You'll never know how much you inspired me in life. Whenever I see Disney's Alice In Wonderland, I'll continue to think of you. Class of '88

I had the pleasure of seeing him several times a year. I will miss him greatly. JFK '68

RIP Mr. Butler. You left a terrific mark in the lives of many.

Mr. Butler, Thank you for oh so many wonderful memories of my time at JFK; I take with me always your unflagging faith in me. 'The King & I' remains my legacy - because of you...God Bless, Mrs. Anna.

When I think about Empehi and my 4 years ,and the wonderful teachers, the first one that comes to mind is Pat Butler. He was kind, witty understanding and always the same. We relied on him as our mentor, more often than we realize. Every student should have had a teacher like Pat.I'll always remember. RIP

Pat Butler was my drama teacher at Calumet and I was in all his original plays at St. Ethelreda. We were all delighted that he was able to attend our reunion a couple of years ago. Wonderful man, wonderful teacher.

Praying for Pat and thinking of your family during this sad time.

My condolences to the Butler family.
Pat was my English teacher at Calumet High School and he inspired many of us to follow in his footsteps.

Mr. Butler was an inspiration to the students at Kennedy High School. He helped to make my high school years one of the best times in my life.

Carolanne Sawica Peterman

Today's mass service was so absolutely amazing! It was a truly beautiful "send off" for a great man!...one that clearly had a great influence on so many! I loved your stories, I love the painting you did for my dog, Murphy. I loved how you wanted to do that painting..almost more than I did..You knew!! I LOVE you and ..dios te bendiga pat tío!

Pat will be missed every I look out my window. He was not just a neighbor but our friend. He was also an important part of our children's life from the day they were born. Pat, we love you and sitting on the porch will never be the same.

The Hoinacki's

Sincere condolences to the family. May God comfort you during this difficult time. 2Cor 1:4

I was greatly blessed to have known Patrick Butler - PJB - during his time at Morgan Park. His wit, presence, and commitment to us as people was unbounded. I will always remember the debate team meetings backstage and the hilarious rides to debates as he distracted us from our nervousness. As stage manager for Bride 'Em Cowboy, I wasn't on stage, but so glad I was involved every step of the way. We will never forget "Speak loudly, speak clearly and wait for laughs!" He was the best. RIP Sally Shannon Graver

Mr. Butler will be greatly missed. I was glad to have him for a teacher, and proud to call him a friend. Raise a glass of hot Bosco on the rocks for PJB. He will be missed.

All my thoughts and prayers are with Pat's (Uncle Pat as I knew him) family and friends and all the students he inspired. He was a wonderful,gracious, and spiritual man who smiled often and liked to tease.
A real gentleman and the very best of Uncles to the Butler girls and his nephew Mark who is waiting for him in heaven.

Pat Butler was not only a brilliant & talented man, he was kind & sweet, & funny....I could go on. I am blessed to call him cousin, & I will miss him dearly. Rest in peace, Pat...you will forever be in my thoughts & prayers. <3

A wonderful, caring, gifted, selfless, funny, and holy man. One of a kind who knew how to bring out the best in everyone. I have been blessed by knowing him. He was an inspiration to me. I love you, Pat. God bless you and give you peace. Thank you for the tons of memories!!

The greatest teacher I ever had. I feel so lucky to have been taught by him, directed by him, supported by him, and occasionally teased by him. My love goes out to the family and all of the Kennedy Players (his other family.)
-Jill (Talley)Kenny

I played in the pit orchestra for a number of the Kennedy High School drama club's musical productions. Mr. Butler was always gracious to and supportive of us musicians during the numerous rehearals we had. He also was so very helpful to me when I was a nervous graduating senior preparing my salutatorian speech! My condolences to Mr. Butler's family.

Pat was my grandparents next store neighbor since the 60s. I am only 26 and the youngest of all the grand kids. Pat was a truly great man. He loved to talk with me about football and loved to tell me about his coaching days. He was one of the most kind genuine people I have come across in my life. He will forever be missed.

In loving memory of Pat Butler, because without him we'd never exist.
Thanks for everything
Scoops Martin and Nemo Williams

To the #1 Irishman at JFK may your Irish eyes be always smiling.
Dave Neligan '67

Some people come into your life for a while, they test you, teach you, and bring out the best in you , and leave their footprints on your heart having changed you for the better when they leave. Mr Butler was one of those people. Our lives were enriched by the four years we spent with him at MPHS, and the continued friendship he allowed our class after graduation. We are blessed and grateful to have been taught by him and to have known him. He will forever be in our thoughts and prayers.
Eternal Rest Grant to him o Lord, And May His soul Rest in Peace.

Mike & Marlene & Butler Family,

Our prayers and thoughts are with you.

Mr. Patrick Butler was a high school English teacher. He was much more than that. He taught life and etiquette lessons, mentoring, world events, theater and English. A man of high standrds and vast knowledge. His students carried those lessons into adult life. He will be missed. I am very proud to be one of Mr. Butler's kids. Nona Szczawinski Cervenka
J.F.K. Class of 1968

Many of us can say,with little hesitation, that Patrick Butler was a significant influence on our lives, making our time at Morgan Park all the more special. We should all take thanks that we were touched by such a person and ask if there is, or has been, an opportunity for each of us to do the same for a young person whose path crossed ours.

Mr. Butler was a wonderful teacher. I can still remember his smiling face. I am so sorry for his family for his loss. God bless you all.

He was a great English teacher and a fan of JFK athletics. My condolences goes out to him and the Butler family.

He embodied so many qualities that make a great teacher. ..he was the best at EMPEHI.

He was a wonderful teacher. I can still see him in the halls, smiling, laughing and mostly talking to us, his students

May our dear teacher & friend rest in peace. He always brought joy to his manner of teaching.
Carol Knarr Kappel

I'm so glad I had a chance to visit with him at Morgan Park a few years ago. He was a profound influence in my life, as he was for so many of the the thousands of lives he touched. The world is a better place for having had him for as long as we did. Rest in peace, Pat.

Mr. Butler has touched countless lives throughout his CPS career and beyond. I enjoyed his performances that my sisters were part of. One of my quieter sisters he brought out of her shell and he put ?her in a lead role in the Miracle Worker. I thank him for that. It gave her confidence she didn't have and she presently is a successful Art teacher. May Patrick Butler's kind and gentle soul rest in Peace with the Lord and may his family find comfort in the loss of a wonderful man. Let it be said that JFK was honored to have such a distinguished teacher (and more).

Mr. Butler has touched countless lives throughout his CPS career and beyond. I enjoyed his performances that my sisters were part of. One of my quieter sisters he brought out of her shell and he put her in a lead role in the Miracle Worker. I thank him for that. It gave her confidence she didn't have and she presently is a successful Art teacher. May Patrick Butler's kind and gentle soul rest in Peace with the Lord and may his family find comfort in the loss of a wonderful man. Let it be said that JFK was honored to have such a distinguished teacher (and more).

My deepest sympathy to the family. Mr. Butler taught us all so much, a truly great man. May God walk beside you in your time of need

I wanted to extend our condolences to the entire family. My father had the toy store in Bevery that Mr. Butler came Christmas shopping every year for his nieces and nephews. My father helped him pick out a gift for each child and you knew there was so much thought and love behind each decision. I just wanted all of you to know you had a very special uncle that we all wish for as you always knew the love he had for his family.
Warmly
Marilyn Pritchett Limberopoulos
Seattle, Wa.

Sorry for your loss. Draw close to God and he will draw close to you. James 4:8

Mr. Butler was a kind teacher who knew how to bring out the best in each of his students in the classroom or those in the Drama Club. He had a special gift to make you feel confident and capable because of the special interest he took in each student. He was my favorite teacher at JFK and will never be forgotten.

So sorry for your loss. Mr. Butler was not my teacher at Calumet , however, I was fortunate to know him in a different way. My Dad owned Ed's Toy Store next to the Beverly Theatre. Mr. Butler was a very good customer. I would help him choose gifts for his nephews and nieces. He always enjoyed selecting the toys. He was such a kind and gentle man. I am sure he will be missed.

RIP, Mr. Butler was a true mentor, an honored veteran and a great guy all around.

Mr Butler sparked my love for the theater. He was my favorite teacher and I am so happy that I had the chance to work along side him in several JFK plays. Rest in Peace Mr Butler, 32 years after graduation, and I can still see your beautiful smile!

Mr Butler touched my life with many great memories of drama club practices and performances. He was a great teacher.

I will never forget you Mr. Butler. You gave me a love of reading. A great teacher, a great person
Ginny Vizdal Class of 1968

Teaching literature versus grammar was a great debate I had with him in class. RIP Mr. Butler. Bernadette Malanowski, class of 1976, Kennedy.

Mr. Butler was one of my favorite teachers at JFK. I still remember him trying to get us to read Don Quixote while practicing for Carousel. I was waiting for my mom to pick me up after play practice when someone asked me if I had read the book. I laughed and said I had given up after trying to read the long version, short version and was going to read the Cliff Notes that night since I kept falling asleep trying to read the book. Mr. Butler heard me. The next day, he told our Honors English 4 class to get a sheet of paper out for the test. He then said if we had not read the entire book, to turn our papers in. We all looked at each other and passed in the blank papers. None of us read the book. Between senioritus and play practice, we had all given up. RIP. To his family, I send my condolences. Sue Berry Marzonie, Cape Coral, Fl. Class of '69

My friends, the Wibergs, introduced me to Pat. Knowing Pat was a real pleasure. He was a kind gentleman. Also, a very talented man. I remember seeing some of the plays he produced at Kennedy High School.

I know you will miss him, as will I. My sincerest sympathy to your family. He will remain in my thoughts and prayers.

RIP Mr. Butler, you were a great teacher!

Kind and caring but a Smartypants, too, which is what I liked about Mr. Butler. He knew how to take a joke as well as dish 'em out. I've always referred back to his "Don't Drink the Fingerbowl" series of lectures to us 17-year-olds regarding etiquette in polite company, so I think I've been spared the embarrassment throughout my life of cutting the meat on my plate all at once (just two, one is better!) or buttering a whole slice of bread instead of breaking off one bite at a time! More important, I received the best education a student could possibly have because of Mr. Butler and the other fine teachers at Kennedy.
Those were the days, my friend, and I'll never forget you!
My condolences to all your family.
-Janet Tomaskovic, '71

I remember Mr. Butler as always being a kind hearted man. I graduated in 1976. May you rest in peace.

'Til there was you...

RIP PJB. You touched my life and those of so many other of your students. I hope there's a "Carousel" in heaven.
To his family...please accept my deepest sympathies.

Mr. Butler was such a kind and gentle man who touched so many lives. Wishing his family and friends peace and comfort.

~~Class of '73

Oh Mr. Butler, you touched so many lives with your unique brand of teaching. You will be remembered always. Kennedy High School, Class of 1972.

Almost 30 years later I still remember Mr. Butler and his kind smile and caring way!! He touched a lot of lives and will be greatly missed!

Mr B never married, but he had thousands of adopted children, of which I am very proud to be one. Please raise the house lights; the director has left the stage. RIP Mr B.

Mr. Butler wasn't just a teacher. He was a wonderful father to each and everyone of us. He was always there. And, I remember him being at my First Holy Communion and giving me a Mickey Mouse watch. Thank you, Mr Butler for all your time and effort.

Thanks for being one of my favorite teachers. You never judged just brought out our passions for drama and English to life. I will always be thankful for your lessons.

I have many fond memories of Pat - always quick to smile and joke, and in such a loving way. I remember how much he loved his students and his family. I know he is happy in Heaven and is at peace!