Joseph Victor Butler
February 28, 1932 to June 4, 2025
Obituary
Passed away at St. Clare’s Hospital, Joseph V. Butler, aged 93 years. Predeceased by his loving wife Rosa.
He was the son of Joseph L. Butler (founder of VOCM radio) and Evelyn Butler.
Leaving with great memories, his sons Joseph L. Butler (Helena), and Gary Butler (Janet).
Four grandchildren, Jay (Andrew Harvey, deceased), Melissa, Chad (Heather Forsey), and Adam.
Five great grand-children, Keira, Hanna, Rachel, Taylor, and Ava.
Sara O’brien, mother of Rachael and Taylor.
Joe was an order of Newfoundland and Labrador inductee, Newfoundland and Labrador Business Hall of fame inductee, and a member Of the Canadian Association of broadcasters Hall of fame.
His business interests including owner of the VOCM radio network, which he expanded during the 1960’s through to 2000.
He was also owner of Metal World, a well known steel fabrication business with operations in Torbay and Argentia.
The Butler family would like to thank the staff at Tiffany Village who cared for him in his later years, along with the hospital staff on the 6th floor of St. Clares’ who were tremendous in his final days.
Cremation has taken place.
No visitation as per his request.
Donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Gary, Joe, and families:
My memories go back to early 1980 when I began working as a young announcer at VOCM. I’ll always remember when Lorraine called me to your father’s office to officially welcome me. I was most impressed by this gesture. He was a legend in the broadcasting industry — and well respected within the business community. My deepest sympathies to you all on your great loss.
Dear Joe, Helena, Melissa, Jay and Ava and the Butler family, I’m very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you.
Gary and Joe and family so sorry to hear the passing off your dad.it was honour to have know him and your mom and the pleasure of taking care of them both.RIP my dear friend
To the Butler Family
My sincere condolences on the passing of your Dad. Your Mom and Dad were a wonderful, caring and kind couple. My late husband, Kelvin and I were very fond of them and I cherish the many wonderful times we spent together. I will always be thankful for their friendship. May God be a source of strength to you in your loss, and may the many wonderful memories you have, comfort you in the days ahead. RIP Joe and Rosa.
We wish to convey our sincere condolences to Joe’s family. We have so many wonderful memories of times shared in Deer Park and St. John’s. He will be deeply missed.
Carol and Gren Adams
Sincere condolences on the passing of your father. I have many happy memories of our various discussions with him during my days working with ScotiaBank.. He was a true gentleman. May he rest in peace.
Gary,Janet,Chad and Adam.
Our sincere condolences on the passing of your
Dad.
We always knew ,as neighbours ,when he was visiting ,as he would pull up in his yellow Mercedes convertible ( which I remember you later acquired .) He was a lovely man and I know will greatly be missed by you all .😘
Herb and Rhonda Gibbons
Gary and Joe,
My condolences on the loss of your Father.
Gary/ Joe & family
Always enjoyed my conversations with your Dad & working with him & his colleagues at VOCM
Gary, Janet, Joe, Helena, Jay, Melissa, Chad, Heather and Adam and grandchildren.
Deepest condolences on the passing of your father, father-in-law, grandfather and great grandfather. Cherish the precious memories you have. Although Joe was well known in the business community, family was certainly the most important thing to him.
Gary and Joe,
My sincere condolences on the passing of your father. I truly enjoyed working with him on several projects in the 80’s. He was a true gentleman, may he rest in peace.
David Doody
To Gary , Janet ,Joe , Helena and families
Robert and I send our sincere condolences .
Hoping your many memories comfort you at this difficult time .
Sincerely,
Nancy & Robert Patten
We want to convey our condolences to all of the Butler family. We were privileged to meet Joe and Rosa when we lived on Rostellan St. They were always very kind and we certainly enjoyed our chats with them. Thinking of Joe and Rosa and all of you.
To Gary and Joe and your families, my thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Your dad had a huge impact on local radio for many years and I always had a lot of respect for him. He achieved so much and I’m sure all of you have many good memories to comfort you
Ou condolences to you Joe and Helena. Your dad lived a long & productive life. He will be missed but no doubt you will have many good memories so he will not be forgotten.
Steve & Helen
Condolences to his family
To the Butler family:
We are very sorry to hear of the passing of Joe.
He was a wonderful neighbor on Rostellan Place and we have many fond memories of both Joe and Rosa. They were a special couple and were missed very much when they left Rostellan.
With our sympathy,
Jim & Judy Chisholm
Gary, Joe (And Les) and the entire Butler Family,
My sincere condolences on the passing of such a great gentleman. I had the privilege to meet with Mr. Butler (and the boys) on many occasions in his office or at his home and always came away with a great feeling – I will always be thankful for the many “chats”. Rest in peace Mr. Butler.
To Gary and Joe, so sorry for the loss of your Dad. Thinking of you guys during your time of sorrow.
Gary and Joe. Sorry to hear of the passing of you father.
So many memories of Gambier St.
He will always be in your hearts
Lesley Oke
Gary, Joe & Family,
Sincere condolences on the passing of JVB. I enjoyed working with him for many years. May he rest in peace.
Les Butler
To all of Joe’s family my condolences on the loss of Joe. Birch and I travelled to Cuba and other places with Joe and Rosa and had amazing holidays. They were both great hostesses and we had many parties at Deer Park and Rostellan. Joe is happy to be united with the love of his life and can finally rest in peace. A great man. A wonderful couple. A pleasure to have been their friends.
Joe, Gary and Family,
Sorry to hear of your Father’s passing.
Sorry for your loss rip he is with God now
Gary, Joe & families,
Sorry to hear on the passing of Mr. Butler. I am proud to have worked at VOCM and for him. He was a man I had great respect for. His work ethic was unparalleled and always had vision and how he wanted success.
To this day, I have carried many life lessons from my years working at the station as well as the reference letter he gave me when I relocated to Ontario in the late 90’s.
Rest easy Mr. Butler and soar high. Thank you for everything.
My sincere condolences to the Butler family – Joe was a remarkable man with a memorable and kind personality. It was a pleasure to know him and care for him while he lived at TVRR. Hugs to all.
Proud to have worked for him, and with him. So many stories, and he had a lasting impact on my life and my family. To Gary, Joe and the family, please know we are thinking of you. Thanks for sharing your Dad with us. May he rest in peace.
Joe and family
So very sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Our deepest sympathy to all.
My sincere condolences to the Butler family. Mr. Butler was a remarkable man who left a lasting mark on broadcasting and business in this province. I’m grateful for the example he set and the impact he made. May he rest in peace.
My heartfelt condolences to Joe, Helena and all the family. May he rest peacefully.
With love
Sheilagh