Lieutenant Joseph C. “Pete” Butt, 72, Chesapeake Fire Department (Retired) answered his final call on November 19th surrounded by his loving family after an extended illness. A native of Norfolk County, Virginia he was the son of Joe Frank and Katherine (McCoy) Butt.
Pete gave many years to the City of Chesapeake as a firefighter, retiring as a Lieutenant. He would serve many more years after his retirement from the Engine Companies as a civilian administrative consultant to the Fire Chief’s Staff. He leaves behind hundreds of brother and sister firefighters.
The family will meet with friends at Chesapeake Fire Station #5, 451 Hanbury Road, Chesapeake, Virginia 23322 on Friday, November 22nd. from 6:30 to 8:30pm.
The family requests that donations in Pete’s memory be made to the Chesapeake Fire Department’s many charitable causes in lieu of flowers.
“When a man becomes a fireman his greatest act of bravery has been accomplished. What he does after that is all in the line of duty. Firefighters do not regard themselves as heroes because they do what the business requires.”
Chief Edward F. Croker, FDNY,
February of 1908
Thank you Pete for being the wonderful man you were. Mom was blessed to have such a great man in her life, and so was I. I will always cherish my memories with you. Save me a spot on the boat buddy.
Love Stevie
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Kimmie! I’m terribly sorry for your loss! xoxo.
So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers. – Carl
Love you. – Heather
With love and great respect to a man who served his community well.
I’m sorry for your loss. May you find peace in the memories you share and in the love and support from your family and friends.
To my dearest uncle Pete, I am a better person for knowing you. I wish my arms could reach you all in the U.S.A for hugs. I am so glad you picked my family to be a part of. My heart is breaking and I have shed many a tear I will always love you. R.I.P uncle Pete xxxxxxxxx
To my little sister Rose, my nephews and niece Richard, Kim and Stephen and their families. I feel your loss so much, being so far away makes it tough especially at times like this. You are all in my thoughts. Pete my brother-in-law until we meet again. R.I.P xxxxxxx
Rest in Peace Pete; the world is a poorer place for your passing.
Doug & Sheena Ross, London, UK
I was sorry to hear of the loss of Pete. Pete was from the old school of firefighters. The term family of firefighters is loosely used in this day and time. Pete was the kind of individual that was there for you no matter what the need. He was and individual who you could depend on no matter what. You never had to check back. Those types of individuals are far and few between. People of today can and should learn from Pete’s integrity. He taught you a lot from just being around him. He will be missed greatly by all who knew him. May God be with him and his family.
‘Brother Pete’…
Your work being ended you have ascended to the G.L above where the great architect lives and reigns forever.
We will miss your happy smiling face and the world is a lesser place without you it was a pleasure to have been your brother and sister in-law and nephew. All our love to sister Rose and family xxx
Uncle Pete…
You will always be in our thoughts, especially when we see a fire engine. I love the blanket you sent me. Will always remember the day at Saint Andrews. It’s a pleasure being your nieces.
All our love to Aunt Rose.
Love Elizabeth and ‘Your girlfriend’ xxx
Very sorry to hear about Pete’s passing. Met him at my mum and dad’s Golden Wedding and thought a very nice man. Will never forget.
Only met you once uncle pete at my gran and grandads golden wedding in Paisley Scotland. You were a lovely man with great character. Rest in peace and God bless xxxxx
Sending out love to all the family at this hard time, we are thinking of all of you. We hope you find strength in each other, all our love Daryl, Meikell, Skye and Zoeb
I have great memories of Lt. Butt. He was a kind man and a good role model. On behalf of myself and all the Auxiliary members, I am sending deepest heartfelt condolences to his family.
Papa I will miss you more then words can say. I’m honored to be your daughter. You’ve stood by my side through so many of my hard moments in life. My heart is broken:( love you papa
We are so very sorry for your loss – and I am sorry we missed the visitation – we were out of the country – but want you all to know our thoughts and prayers are with you. As Pete’s fathers neighbor we grew fond of him and have missed seeing him thru his illness. God be with you.