Mr. Daniel Blair Butler Sr.'s Obituary
Daniel Blair Butler, age 62, of Woodsboro MD; who created so many wonderful
memories for many of us left behind, peacefully took his last breath on earth at his
home Monday, July 8, 2024.
Daniel (Dan, Danny, Dan the Man) was born June 8, 1962, in Warner Robins,
Georgia, the son of Carolyn S. Brown and Donald R. Butler, who both proceeded him
in death. Also preceding him in death were his maternal grandmother to whom he
was devoted, Leatha C. Brown (Nana); his nephew, Anthony Daniel D'Allura and
Blair W. Ensor.
Dan is survived by his wife Donna Damazo Butler, with whom he shared his life for
over 30 years; his son Daniel Blair Butler, Jr; and his stepsons Dwight D. Wise and
Justin M. Wise. He was an exceptionally special GPa to Briana Daniele Butler,
Kaelynn Wise, Brody Wise and Mark Cooke.
Dan is also survived by his sister Debra Butler D’Allura, niece Aimee D'Allura with
husband Michael Trueblood and their son Warren. Others who had a signification
impact on Dan's life at various stages were his stepmother Betty J. Butler and her
children with whom he was raised, as well as the mothers of his G-Kids; Sara Cooke,
Kim Butler and Devyn Wise.
Dan (Danny) graduated from Frederick High School in 1980, and had already started
making his mark in the business world. The next 44 years he was key in many
organizations focused on Security & Technology Integration. Beginning as an 18
year-old in the ceiling of the pentagon pulling wires for surveillance cameras, to being
President of Progressive Systems Integration, previously Lensec where he helped
expand the company and mid-Atlantic region for the last 17 years.
In 1996, Dan took a career detour into the restaurant world following a dream from
childhood by establishing, owning and operating Manhattan Bagel in Frederick for
four years. In every organization, Dan received awards of excellence, was appreciated
for his innovative thinking and problem solving, industry expertise but most of all for
his ability to coach, mentor, motivate and professionally develop those within his
scope of influence.
From a young age, Dan was focused on food – good cooking and lots of variety. His
love of food started with helping his Mother and Nana at the family owned restaurants;
Porter's Grill and The Downtowner in Frederick. For the rest of his life, any hour of the
day Dan had a new food inspiration, so he and Donna did new recipes and danced in
their gourmet kitchen daily. Dan became an accomplished chef and his years of
experimenting within the BBQ world were successful as he became a “Pitt Master”,
BBQ Judge and at home each weekend produced something fantastic on one of his 6
grills or smokers. His favorite and last purchase was a Stump’s Smoker. Traveling
always included gourmet destinations and Dan had a huge library of ancient and
contemporary cookbooks.
Dan enjoyed fishing his entire life. He became an accomplished sportsman and travel
destination often included unique fishing experiences. He set the hook everywhere
from the Monocacy wadding close to home, a cabin on the Potomac as a child, to
Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Florida, from Portland Maine to Portland Oregon
and Hawaii. Dan and Donna had boats and frequented lakes always looking for the
perfect place to retire.
Retirement was different than expected due to illness, so the eternal love lock engraved
with “we had it all” will now to be placed on his home with 5 wooded acres, he loved
and called his retreat for over 23 years. Dan is famous with his neighbors as being the
guy with the “huge” snow thrower on his Deere tractor who eagerly wishes for snow
and gets up early at the sight of any snow to clears all the driveways around his home.
With the birth of his first grandchild in 2007, the new focus became having adventures
with GMa and GPa. Specially planned twice monthly overnights started when they
were infants, then weekends and vacations and river floats were enjoyed by all for the
next 17 years. Each excursion or visit started with GPa at the candy store filling up
huge treat bags.
Dan always loved dogs and boxers were part of his life for many years. His current
two best friends who are now dejected and sad are Reno and Rea – a brother and sister.
Preceded in death were his other boxers Mason, Mea, Maverick and Major. Each was
treated with specially bought toys, cooked chicken and hours of time at the river.
Dan had a strong spiritual life which was strengthened in 2022 when, after his initial
pancreatic cancer diagnosis, he had a miracle surgery which extended his life the
additional years.
If you spent time with Dan, you certainly have heard him talk about the weather, his focus
on the signs in the sky, planet X and listened to one of his many jokes he shared daily and
everywhere he went.
Two of his favorite words were "classic" and "adequate". When asked by anyone "How
are you" he responded with "adequate" and almost always got a smile in return;
however anyone who knew Dan, knows he was never "adequate" a day in his life - he
was always extraordinary and will be eternally missed.
The family will receive friends and guests at Resthaven, 9401 Catoctin Mountain
Highway, Frederick, MD 21701 between 11:30 and 1:00 on Saturday, July 20,
2024. The service will follow from 1:00 - 2:00pm. Final resting in the Chapel
Mausoleum will be by invitation only and at another time.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mercy Hospital – Surgical Oncology
Team where Dan received exceptional medical care. The specific foundation site is:
[email protected].
What’s your fondest memory of Daniel?
What’s a lesson you learned from Daniel?
Share a story where Daniel's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Daniel you’ll never forget.
How did Daniel make you smile?