Tom was an identical twin, born with his brother Richard C. Butler ("Dick"), on April 19, 1947 in Alexandria, Virginia to Al & Jean Butler. Tom and Dick had two older brothers, Al and Frank, and a few years later, the second set of twins arrived to the family, Ann and Barbara Butler. The family moved from Northern Virginia to Cocoa Beach, Florida where Tom attended Cocoa Beach High School and went on to the University of Florida where he received his Bachelor's degree and developed a lifelong love for the Florida Gators. After college, Tom pursued a career in software design, but later took a break from that career to pursue adventure on the open road. Eventually, he returned to software design and had a varied and interesting career working in aerospace, defense, and commercial industries, always staying abreast of the latest technology. Tom and Dick were inseparable and followed each other, both geographically and in their careers, working together on everything from learning new computer skills to pursuing hobbies together. They were the best of friends and shared a very special, close bond.

Tom spent many years raising a family in the suburbs of Atlanta. It was evident to all that being a father brought him endless amounts of joy. He loved making his children laugh and worked hard to provide a wonderful childhood for his three children: Brittany, Joseph, and Bridget. Tom relished in telling his young children stories, teaching them about their Catholic faith and taking family vacations. He enjoyed sharing a love of Florida Gator football and race cars with his son, Joe. He was devoted to his oldest daughter, Brittany in helping guide her career choices and supporting her transition into motherhood. He adored his youngest child, "his baby Bridget," and enjoyed taking her shopping at Costco and making her laugh.

He loved being on the water; he enjoyed boating and other kinds of travel. After many years in Atlanta, he and his family moved to Cleveland, which was his mother and father's hometown. He helped his sisters, Ann and Barbara, move to Cleveland as well, and took special care of them all his life. Tom was a devout Catholic. In recent years, his faith deepened; he began saying the rosary and encouraging his brother Dick say the rosary too. He passed along a strong appreciation of his Catholic faith to his three children and three grandsons. Tom will be remembered for his big, generous heart and his wonderful sense of humor. He had a wonderful laugh and enjoyed making others laugh, often with a twinkle in his eye. He loved his family well, and he will be missed tremendously.

Tom was preceded in death by his father, Al, and his mother, Jean. He is survived by his children Brittany B. Jennings, Joseph T. Butler, and Bridget K. Butler, his three grandsons Collin, Cayden, and Arthur Jennings, his brothers Al, Frank, and Dick, his sisters Ann and Barbara, his six nieces and a nephew.

A funeral Mass will be held on January 15, 2021 at 12:30pm at St. Christopher's Catholic Church in Rocky River, Ohio. There will be livestreaming of the service available at: https://boxcast.tv/view/a-celebration-of-thomas-butler-kl4dsnqimv7qhf3cgy6c

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in Tom's honor to the Cleveland Clinic's Response to the Coronavirus Pandemic. Tom received excellent medical care from the Cleveland Clinic for his cancer during the pandemic, and the family is incredibly grateful to the wonderful doctors and nurses who cared for him so well during such a difficult time. There is a "in memory of" field to indicate the donation is in honor of Tom.