Death of Athlone native who served in Hawaii and as military chaplain with the US Navy

Reverend Fr John J. Butler passed away on July 2, in his 93rd year, at St. Charles Retirement Center in Celina, Ohio. He was formerly of St Kieran's Terrace, Athlone.

Following many years of preparation beginning in youth boarding school, Fr 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. He was subsequently 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 US 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, Fr 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 programme 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.

His passing is deeply regarded by his nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, his cousin Bishop Paul Connell of the Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise, 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.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, July 8, at the St Charles Center in Celina.

Burial with military rites was scheduled to follow at St Aloysius Cemetery in Carthagena.