Obituary of Dr. Donald L. Butler

Dr. Donald Lee Butler passed away on April 15, 2020 at Maplewood at Newton in Newton, Connecticut, close to his home in Easton, Connecticut. After a long fight with Parkinson's disease, Dr. Butler succumbed to the disease at the age 66. His wife, Jane Butler, had passed in 2016. Dr. Butler leaves two children, Gordon and wife Megan, and Michelle and fiancée Allyson; a brother, Douglas; and his sister-in-law, Joan Mitchell. Don was born February 6, 1954 in Brunswick, New Jersey to Robert E. Butler and Doris D. Butler. He graduated, Cum Laude, from Tilton School, Tilton New Hampshire in 1972, subsequently earning his B.A. at Johns Hopkins University in 1976 and his M.D. from The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in 1980. Dr. Butler enjoyed a long and distinguished career in medicine, specializing in interventional radiology. After interning at Allentown and Sacred Heart Hospital in Allentown, Pennsylvania from 1980-1981, he served as a resident in diagnostic radiology at The Hospital of The University of Pennsylvania from 1981 -1984. He then served as a fellow in angiography at The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania from 1984-1985. Dr. Butler was certified by the American Board of Radiology in 1984, thence accepting a position at Bridgeport Hospital as a clinician and instructor for the duration of his professional career. Dr. Butler was a gifted clinician, a respected colleague, and a beloved instructor. He won the Bridgeport Hospital Radiology Resident Teacher of the Year Award six times between 1986 and 1996. Don tempered his distinguished professional career with family activity. He loved anything that could be pursued outdoors with the family: wiffleball, frisbee, swimming, boating, fishing, hiking. He was not a guy who stood around much. His long list of eclectic interests included American Mountain Men, hunting, horses, motorcycles, Shelby racing, bonsai, languages, martial arts, and summers in New Hampshire. Don's life ended too soon—but he lived without compromise. He worked hard, and he played hard. He lived a life that only a precious few can even aspire to. He worked until the disease stole his ability to practice medicine. Even though he couldn't live life full throttle anymore, he could still practice his devotion to his family and friends. He was never without a smile or a joke. His signature one liners and fond memories will be carried on by all that loved and knew him. April is Parkinson's Awareness Month. Those wishing to contribute to the fight against this disease can donate to The Parkinson Foundation—Parkinson.org. The family will have a memorial on a date to be determined when long distance travel becomes less burdensome.