Walter Cadman Butkus Sr., 73, the beloved husband of Maryann (Behuniak) Butkus for 47 years, passed away tragically on May 8, 2019 as a result of a house fire.

Wally was born on March 15, 1946 on Porter Hill Rd in Bethlehem, where he spent his entire life.  He graduated from Watertown High School and then was drafted into the Army on December 13, 1965.  During the Vietnam war, he was stationed at Fort Lewis in Washington state for 24 months, where he was trained on operating the Davy Crockett tactical nuclear recoilless gun.  Upon his return to Bethlehem, he married Maryann on June 17, 1972. Wally was a proud 50 year member of Bethlehem American Legion Post 146.

Wally became a skilled woodworker and cabinet-maker, and worked for Joe Ambrozaitis for 18 years.  He then owned his own business and built many homes in the area.  He then worked for Churchill Builders and Picton Brothers.

Wally was known for his dry, quick wit and could be found most mornings at Little Town Deli in Bethlehem, telling his famous stories.  He enjoyed ice fishing, attending Army reunions, splitting wood, and stoking the coal/wood stove in the winter.  Wally loved Bethlehem and his chocolate labs were always by his side as he worked on his classic cars and machinery.  Wally was very proud of his Lithuanian heritage and delighted in sharing his Lithuanian Krupnikas and infamous home-made pickles.

Wally leaves behind his wife; two children, Wally and Marta Butkus Jr., Shanna Butkus and her boyfriend Michael Lodsin; grandchildren Keira and Gavin; sister Beverly Siegmann; aunt Alice Kulikauskas; uncle George Kulikauskas; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The wake will be held on Sunday May 12, 2019 from 4-6 pm at Munson Lovetere Funeral Home, 2 School St., Woodbury, CT. A funeral service will be on Monday May 13, 2019 at 9:30 am at the Funeral Home.  Burial will immediately follow at Bethlehem Cemetery.  The family would like to thank Bethlehem Fire Department and Ambulance Association, Waterbury Hospital, and Bridgeport Hospital Burn Unit and VITAS.  In lieu of flowers, please send a contribution to Bethlehem Fire Department, Bethlehem Ambulance Association or the Disabled American Veterans (dav.org). To leave an online condolence for the family please visit www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com

Bethlehem Ambulance Association
PO Box 401, Bethlehem CT 06751

Disabled American Veterans
3725 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring KY 41076
Web: https://www.dav.org/

Bethlehem Fire Department
26 Main St S, Bethlehem, CT 06751, Bethlehem CT 06751