Fr. John J. Butler

Reverend John J. Butler passed away on July 2, in his 92nd year, at St. Charles Retirement
Center in Celina, Ohio. He was formerly of Athlone, County Westmeath, Ireland.
Following many years of preparation beginning in youth boarding school, Father John was
ordained a priest in Dublin, Ireland, in 1960, at the age of 30. He later traveled to the United
States and was assigned to the Diocese of Jefferson City, Missouri. Father John often shared
that Bishop Marling, C.PP.S., entrusted him with the most challenging assignments—parishes in
need of spiritual and physical renewal.
He was later transferred to Honolulu, Hawaii, where he ministered to multiple parishes across
the Hawaiian Islands. He often traveled daily by barge to reach these communities, providing
spiritual care while overseeing repairs and restoration of church buildings.
Father John’s calling then led him to military chaplaincy with the United States Navy. He began
at Camp Lejeune and later served with the U.S. Marines, offering guidance and pastoral care to
young recruits far from home for the first time. He was then transferred to Kings Bay, Georgia,
where he ministered to the elite Submarine Forces. He once recounted a moment of crisis
aboard a submarine experiencing difficulty resurfacing—where faith and calm were as critical as
technical precision.
Later, Father John was called to serve at the Department of Veterans Affairs, continuing his
ministry at the Dayton VA Medical Center. He supported both the hospice inpatient program and
mental health services, offering solace and spiritual support to Veterans during their most
vulnerable moments. Many shared their burdens only with Father John, trusting him with stories
and wounds they had never spoken aloud.
He is predeceased by his parents, John and Margaret, his sisters Nancy, Eileen, and Madeline,
his brother Tom, brothers-in-law John Gallagher and Jim Cunnane, and his sister-in-law Pauline
Butler. He is survived by his beloved sister, Maise Butler.
Deeply regarded by his nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, his cousin Bishop Paul
Connell of the Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise, Ireland, his extended family, and a
cherished circle of friends and colleagues. Also deeply mourned by his community at the Dayton
VA Medical Center, the Hayes Family, and the devoted staff and residents of St. Charles
Retirement Center.
Forever in our hearts, his was a life of service, compassion, and unwavering faith. Father John
made a lasting difference in the spiritual lives of many. May he now rest in peace—God’s faithful
servant, called home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2 PM on Tuesday, July 8, at the St. Charles Center in
Celina.
Reception of the Body and Visitation will be held from 10 AM to 12 PM the same day in the
parlor room at St. Charles Center.
Burial with military rites will follow at St. Aloysius Cemetery in Carthagena.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Charles Center.