Francis Patrick Butler

Francis Patrick Butler, a devoted father, decorated naval aviator, and international educator, passed away on July 31, 2025, in St. Petersburg, Florida. He was 84 years old.

Born on January 20, 1941, in Bradford, Pennsylvania, to Genevieve (Fizzell) and Frank Butler, and brother to Mary Lane and Catherine ("Taffy"). Patrick was a man of endless curiosity and infectious spirit. He never met a stranger, charming everyone he met — whether on the Italian lakes of Como, Garda or Sirmione, the beaches of Ft. Lauderdale, St. Pete, or the many international campuses he called home. His compassion for others was evident in his ever-present mantra: Is there anything I can do for you? He lived with deep intellectual passion, mischievous humor, and unconditional love — qualities that defined a life well lived.

From a young age, Patrick was a "rolling stone," with a lifelong passion for flight and travel. He became a pilot at 17, soaring the skies over Port Allegany in his father's Cessna. After graduating from St. Bonaventure University in 1962, he joined the U.S. Navy as an aviator during the Vietnam era, ultimately serving his country by patrolling the Pacific for Russian submarines and joining elite teams on Project Magnet and Project Bird's Eye. While serving in the Naval Reserves, Patrick earned his master's and Ph.D. in International Studies from American University and worked as an advance man for the White House.

Though he found success in the government and corporate worlds, his true calling was teaching, travel and adventure. His career enabled him to travel the world — beginning with a Fulbright exchange at the Univ of Bucharest, during a tumultuous political era in which he recruited for the CIA, followed by teaching appointments at Georgetown Univ in DC, Univ of Stockholm (his second home), Franklin Univ in Lugano, and Monterrey Inst of Tech in Mexico. A renaissance man, Patrick explored art, music, philosophy, languages, and writing, guided always by his love of learning and connection.

While he was a citizen of the world, he was always present for his family — including his beloved dogs (Wags, Peanuts, Annie, Henry, Maggie). Patrick always had time for family and shared with them a deep appreciation for curiosity, kindness, and adventure. He took a break from his travels to care for his parents, Genevieve and Frank, with immense love and dedication. He later returned to his adventures with his life partner and fellow writer, Ines. Together they explored the world and shared a love of storytelling. He began writing travel books, including his first non-textbook publication, Cavorting with Strangers.

He is survived by his daughters: Erin Francis Butler, Robyn Butler Crennan, and Mary Shannon Butler; seven grandchildren and a great-grandson; his sister, Mary Lane Butler Glancy; and a loving family of nieces, nephews, friends, and colleagues.

A celebration of Patrick's life will be held on January 18, 2026, in St. Pete Beach, Florida. For more details please reach out to Robyn at robynfbutler@gmail.com.

Patrick embodied the best of humanity — strength, courage, compassion, kindness, and love. He leaves us all with the lesson that all things in life are possible, adventures are tonics to the soul, and the true essence of happiness is found through love and kindness. Forever in our hearts, he will be missed beyond words.