Louis V. Buttice Jr. passed away on Friday, February 17th, 2023, after 89 wonderful years. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of nearly 65 years, Jacqueline R. Buttice, daughter Jaqueline Ballentine, son Joseph Buttice, grandson Matthew Purdy, brothers Angelo, Jimmy (Rose), Jerry, and sister Josie (Tony Moran). He is survived by his children Mary Therese Purdy (Michael Eells), Louis Buttice III (Pattie), Bernadette Carroll (Richard), Robert Buttice (Christine), Angelique Sayeed (Moz), Gabrielle Buttice (Chrissy), Elizabeth Cannon (Teddy), son-in-law Robert Ballentine, daughter-in-law Shannon Buttice, sister-in-law Geri Buttice, 25 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Lou lived a full life and was a man of great faith and integrity. He was a dedicated husband and father. He always made time for Saturday morning dance lessons with his daughters and Sunday mornings at Al’s Deli with his sons after church. Lou was an active member of the Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He was a hardworking salesman in the food service industry, which led to his relocating to Florida and opening his own food brokerage business.
He knew how to fill life with laughter, joy, endless stories, jokes, and on occasion, breaking out into song or dance. Sports were an essential part of his life, especially baseball. After high school he played minor league baseball for the Eastman Dodgers. He then played for the U.S. Army Baseball team while stationed in Panama during the Korean conflict. He loved Chicago, the White Sox, and a Chicago-style hot dog, teaching all his grandchildren that ketchup has no place on a hotdog! Lou made his love of western movies come alive by owning horses and teaching his kids and grandkids the charm of harness racing. He was active in the harness racing community for over 40 years.
While Lou’s family grieves his loss, they chose to remember Lou in a way that honors his spirit, finding comfort that he is once again dancing with his beloved wife.
The funeral mass will take place on Saturday, March 11th, at noon at Church of the Annunciation, 1020 Montgomery Rd, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714.