Thomas Butkovich

Thomas Butkovich, age 77, died peacefully in his home early Saturday, May 22 in Waxhaw, North Carolina surrounded by his family. God gracefully called him home after years of health challenges with congestive heart failure, diabetes and Alzheimer's.
Tom is survived by his wife, Jeanette, and children Tom (Kelly) Butkovich of Macomb, Michigan, Steve (Julie) Butkovich of Waxhaw, Jennifer (Steve) Cannon of Waxhaw, North Carolina and Malinda (Ken) Gill of Charlotte, North Carolina. He is also survived by Grandchildren: Brady, Brenna, Will, Jack, Courtney, Lindsay, Danielle, Jake, Kristen, Ashley, Melissa and Great Grandchildren: Griffin, James and James

Tom was born February 7, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan to parents Phil and Lillian Butkovich. Tom was one of 10 children living in their 2-bedroom bungalow with their parents and Grandmother. His early years were of meager means but filled with love and contribution by all who lived in their home. His father gifted all with his faith in God, work ethic, and most of all, love of family to guide them in their lives. He was preceded in death by his sister MaryAnn and survived by his siblings Phil (Marge) Butkovich, Karen Fecteau, Janet (John) Marusic, Marilyn Butkovich, Bill (Anna) Butkovich, Betty Ann (Mike) Regan, Diane (Dale) Chamberlain and Toni Butkovich. His family is blessed with 24 nieces and nephews.

Tom married the love of his life Jeanette on July 25, 1964, and they remained together through 56 years of marriage. Together they’ve lived in Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Arkansas and North Carolina. They’ve enjoyed their years traveling the world visiting over 100 countries and islands and celebrated their 50th Anniversary with a Caribbean cruise with many family members to renew their vows.

Tom’s early career was in automotive mechanics that led him to a 35-year career with General Motors primarily working for Chevrolet Motor Division and later representing all GM brands. He was highly successful and respected in his career being recognized with many awards for his contributions. He was most proud of inscription in the Automotive Service Industry Associations’ Automotive Hall of Fame in 1997.

Tom was socially outgoing and always invited the opportunity to be the center of attention. He loved to spend time with family and friends and cultivated a special relationship with children. Some of Tom’s best friends over the years were under 6 years old. He never met a stranger and cultivated great relationships with his neighbors everywhere he lived inviting all to his home and offering his handyman talents wherever and whenever needed. He loved to entertain and host people at his home where he enjoyed cooking and sharing his home, meals, and talents with guests. He used magic to connect with the young and the old as one more way to entertain and bring out laughter and smiles.

He was gifted in music, playing drums, guitar, organ, and harmonica. He enjoyed music and found it as a release and passion. In his younger years he explored song writing and singing with different groups of friends. In recent years he played guitar and sang regularly with a work friend who played upright bass and son Steve on different occasions.

Tom was blessed with a big and wonderful family that he loved dearly. He placed high value in always doing everything possible to keep the relationships with his brothers and sisters active and loving. Many lived on the same street and neighborhoods during different periods of his life. He was raised to cherish and preserve family and was so proud of the relationships he enjoyed with his siblings, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. He also maintained strong relationships with each of his children and grandchildren and was very active in their lives, sharing special moments, attending sporting and school events, enjoying vacations with them, and helping shape them into the people they are today.

A memorial mass is scheduled for Tuesday, June 1st at 10:45 am at St Mathew Catholic Church located at 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy in Charlotte, North Carolina. The family will be receiving guests prior to the service from 10:00am – 10:45am.  The family will be hosting a reception for lunch and refreshments following the funeral service at their home from 12:30 - 3pm.

In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to St. Jude’s Children's Hospital at www.stjude.org or Children's International at www.children.org Tom spent his lifetime giving to the less fortunate and particularly to organizations that assisted children in need.