John J. Butler

John J. Butler, 82, of Wilmington, Delaware peacefully passed away with loved ones at his side on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.  Born in Bridgeton, New Jersey on September 5, 1942, he was a son of the late Frank and Jennie (DaBundo) Butler.

John was proudly employed with Met Life Insurance and served as a regional vice-president, a career that lasted 30 years and afforded him many lasting friendships.  A member of the Knights of Columbus, he was a man of great faith who deepened his spirituality by reading the entire Bible from the Book of Genesis to the Book of Revelation.  

John was a perfectionist in the truest sense of the word.   He took pride in his creativity.  His skill, craftsmanship, and attention to detail were his hallmark.

John was immensely proud of his Italian heritage, was a talented cook, and would challenge anyone who claimed to make better meatballs than his.  He loved to play golf with his friends and sister-in-law, Peggy.  He was an avid fan of all the Philadelphia sports teams especially the Eagles and Phillies.  He was a notorious prankster and loved to tell jokes.

John was devoted to his beloved family and always expressed that they were the most important things in his life.  He especially loved spending time with them during their annual vacations in Ocean City, New Jersey.

His wife of 57 years, Diane L. (Jattros) Butler, passed away on November 21, 2020.  He was also sadly predeceased by his son, John P. Butler, who passed away on August 2, 2017.

John is survived by his daughter, Michele D. Lawson (Jim); his grandchildren, Brett Griffith (Shannon), Brianna Bergeron and Paul Army; his great granddaughters, Sheridan and Sienna Griffith; his sister, Sr. Nancy Butler, SSJ. 

He was predeceased by his brother, Joseph F. Butler.

Family and friends are invited to visit at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 7200 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin on Thursday, May 22 from 10:00 – 11:00AM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00AM, immediately followed by entombment at All Saints Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of John may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph, 9701 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118-2694 (https://www.ssjphila.org).

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John J. Butler, please visit our floral store.