Michael Francis Butler's Obituary
Michael F Butler, Esq.
August 17, 1935 – March 8, 2024
Mike was a quintessential renaissance man in the modern world. He was born in Pittsburgh, PA to Mary Montgomery Butler and Frank Butler. He grew up in Pleasant Hills, PA, with his siblings Mary Miller and John C Butler. He fondly spoke of his time at Clairton High School, where he was the Salutatorian, Captain of the Football Team and First Chair in Violin. He received his BA degree, Magna Cum Laude, from Harvard College, in 1957, and received his LLB in 1960 from Yale Law School.
Mike had a successful professional law career, starting as an associate at Kirkpatrick, Lockhart, Johnson and Hutchison in Pittsburgh from 1960 - 1969. He then moved to Washington to work in General Council roles in the Department of Commerce and Overseas Private Investment Corp. In 1975 he was appointed by President Ford to be General Counsel of the Federal Energy Administration, a post he held for the duration of Presidents Ford’s term in office. His last career move was to open the DC office for Andrews and Kurth, a position he held until retiring in 1985.
In retirement Mike focused on his passions. He loved skiing and considered Kitzbuhel Austria a home away from home. He studied and appreciated art and architecture, from Medieval and Gothic periods to the Modern-Day movements. He loved talking about European and American history and politics, particularly WWII. He loved classical music and attending the symphony. Mike had wonderful, good friends in Washington DC, New York, Boston, Pittsburgh, London, France, Belgium, Austria, Germany and elsewhere around the globe and enjoyed sharing good wine and conversation with them all, at the Metropolitan Club, The Rolling Rock Club and various other locations.
Mikes bachelor charm, wit and encyclopedic knowledge on most subjects delighted those who knew him well. He could tell a story that enraptured his listeners. He was a strong advocate for getting a degree and was so generous in funding the educational goals of family members who needed it. He read the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Washington Post, cover to cover, each day, and was well known for the articles he clipped and gave to friends. He leaves behind many good friends, nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews, who will miss him dearly.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Pittsburgh Symphony or the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, in Mikes honor.
Visitation is 4:00 - 6:00 pm on Sunday, March 17, 2024 at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home, 301 Curry Hollow Road, Pittsburgh PA, 15236. The funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, March 18, 2024 at Pleasant Hills Church, 199 Old Clairton Road, Pittsburgh PA 15236. Following the service there will be a luncheon reception, location tba.
To leave online condolences please visit www.jeffersonmemorial.com
What’s your fondest memory of Michael?
What’s a lesson you learned from Michael?
Share a story where Michael's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Michael you’ll never forget.
How did Michael make you smile?