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In Loving Memory of M. Phillip Butler It is with great regret that we inform you that Merlin Philip Butler, 81, of Patchogue, New York, passed away on Sunday, July 24, 2022 in his home in the arms of his Wife, Donna Butler, and Daughter, Danielle Butler. Philip was born to parents Philip and Florence Butler, on September 22, 1940, in Wilson, Wisconsin. He attended Mohawk Valley Technical Institute in Utica, NY and earned his A.A.S. Degree in Business Administration. He enlisted in the Army and was part of the Artillery 5th Infantry Division in Fort Carson, Colorado from 1961-1963. He worked for W.T. Grants from 1964-1975 in various Manager roles in their NY, NJ and DE stores. He then went back to school and graduated from CI Post Long Island with his Bachelor’s Degree. Ultimately, Philip was world recognized as the Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Fireworks by Grucci, Inc. from 1983-2012 when he retired. He traveled the globe producing fireworks shows for the Who’s who of the world and locally with single handed producing the “Salute to Long Island” Fireworks Production at Bald Hill and also Jones Beach. Philip married his life’s love, Donna, on July 27, 1969, who survives him with their beloved Chihuahua, Prince. He is also survived by his son, Philip Butler, daughter, Racine Johann, son, Jeffrey Butler, and daughter, Danielle Butler, as well as 8 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter. Philip was a 4th Degree Knight with the Patchogue Knights of Columbus and a local community philanthropist. He loved bowling and coached local Baseball and Basketball. Philip was known for his love of Wisconsin sports, specifically, the Green Bay Packers Football, and his adored Chihuahuas. Philip championed the movement to bring “Christ back to Christmas” which caught him national recognition when he was interviewed by Fox News in 2002 for persuading the Patchogue Chamber of Commerce to put up a nativity scene for Christmas and rename the Patchogue Boat Parade to the Christmas Boat Parade. As recently as Sunday, Philip stated that, “I have lived 80+ years and lived a great life, and accomplished a lot…..” then, like a flip of a switch, he began to discuss his thoughts on marketing a multi-location fireworks display from the Great South Bay! He was an astutely intelligent man with great passion for life. He had a deep religious loyalty to God, his family and being an ethical and moral person. He filled everyone’s life around him with love, energy and laughter. The memorial service will be held on Friday, July 29, 2022, at 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the Robertaccio Funeral Home in Patchogue. The mass service will be held on Saturday, July 30, 2022 at 11 a.m. at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Patchogue with the burial to follow at Woodland Cemetery in Bellport at The Grucci Family plot. The family kindly requests that people make donations to the Knights of Columbus, 38 First Street, East Patchogue, NY 11772 in lieu of sending flowers."

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Merlin "Phil" Butler

September 22, 1940 - July 24, 2022