WESTFIELD – Michael V. Butler, 58, of Westfield, passed away peacefully July 4, 2022 surrounded by his loving family following a courageous battle with cancer. Michael was born on May 11, 1964 in Springfield, MA, a son to John and Monica (Donnelly) Butler. A graduate of West Springfield High School and UMass Amherst, Michael spent most of his adult life working in sales for the trucking industry. While working for Consolidated Freightways in Chicopee, MA in the late 1980s, Michael met the love of his life, Michelle (Cusson), whom he married on October 12, 1991.
The most important things in Michael’s life were faith and family. A devoted communicant of Our Lady of the Lake Church in Southwick, he also served as Extraordinary Minister of Communion. A member of the Knights of Columbus and Massachusetts Citizens for Life, Mike dedicated much of his free time to causes that he believed in. He volunteered coaching in various community sports and also enjoyed golfing, basketball, and spending time with his family.
In addition to his beloved wife Michelle, he is survived by his five children: Justine Butler of Wolcott, CT, Mark Butler of Manchester, NH, Isabella Walz and her husband Justin Walz, and their daughter Valkyrie Walz of Bloomfield, CT, Jacob Butler of Westfield, MA and Matthew Butler of Westfield, MA. Michael will forever be loved and missed by his mother, Monica and his siblings: Paul (Mary) Butler of Harwichport, MA, Patrick (Melanie) Butler of West Springfield, MA, Mary Fitzsimmons (Mark) of West Hartford, CT, and Monica Butler of West Springfield, MA. Michael also leaves many nieces, nephews and dear friends that he made over the years. Michael’s legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of his family and friends. Michael was predeceased by his father, John “Jack” Butler and his brother, John Butler.
Calling hours for Michael will be held from 4-7PM on Friday, July 8, 2022 at Southwick Forastiere Funeral Home, 624 College Highway, Southwick, MA. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 9th beginning at 9AM from the funeral home with a Liturgy of Christian Burial, to be celebrated at 10AM, at Our Lady of the Lake Church, Southwick. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Westfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of the Fisher Home, 1165 North Pleasant St., Amherst, MA 01002, or to Pro-Life of Pioneer Valley, Inc., 1259 E. Columbus Ave., Springfield, MA 01105. For online condolences please visit www.forastiere.com.
