Obituary of Leo "Butch" Whiteford

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Leo (Butch) C. Whiteford, 87, of Melbourne, FL. Butch reached out and took the Lord’s hand and peacefully entered the kingdom of heaven on April 23, 2024, at the William Childs Hospice House in Palm Bay, FL.

Butch was born May 2,1936 in Pittsburg, PA, to parents Allen and Margaret Whiteford (deceased). Butch is survived by wife, Dolores (Dottie) Whiteford, the love of his life, confidant, and best friend. His legacy includes his beloved son, Jeffrey L. Whiteford (deceased). Also joining him in heaven are his dearly departed siblings, Rosemary Chambers (Jim), Allen Whiteford (Mary), and Maureen Meyers (Bill).

Butch is survived by a large family of many close and loving nieces and nephews, great-nieces/nephews, and great-great nieces/nephews. He leaves behind a life well lived, full of profound love and devotion to his family, strength & wisdom, laughter, and smiles.

Butch grew up in Homewood, PA, a suburb of Pittsburg. As the youngest of the four children, he brought boundless joy to their home and was the bright light of the Whiteford family. Wonderful and cherished memories were made together which provided substance for some of the most enduring and typically funny stories in his later years.

Butch proudly served in the US Army. He married Dottie Schaefer, on April 30,1960, in Ft. Belvoir, VA. In 1971, they welcomed their beautiful son Jeff into their world. Butch was a loving, caring husband, father, and friend to all who crossed his path. His wit and humor would follow him through his life and his warm, caring personality could fill a room. He always loved to share his wonderful and vivid stories of his life growing up in Homewood and later living in Bellevue and Bridgeville, PA. Butch was a loyal Pittsburg Steelers fan and loved collecting his football memorabilia.

For over 38 years, Butch worked for Koppers as a chemical analyst. He made many lasting friendships over those years. Upon retirement, Butch and Dottie left the cold PA weather behind and moved to the sunshine state, to Melbourne, FL in 2008 and have resided at Quail Run ever since. It didn’t take him long to get to know so many of his neighbors, who over the years have remained close, dear friends. Butch and Dottie enjoyed their retirement years with many amazing travel adventures and family vacations. They embarked on several cruises to the Bahamas and Alaska, a trip to Branson, family vacations in the Smokey Mountains and lots of visits with family and friends, near and far.

Butch was a jovial man, with a loving, vibrant, and dynamic personality. He never met a stranger and could easily share stories of all the interesting journeys his life took him through. He will warmly be remembered for his profound love for his family. Butch was truly a blessing to us all. He lived a full and good life.

As we bid farewell to this remarkable man, we find comfort in knowing that his love will continue to guide us in our own lives. He will be deeply missed but forever cherished in our hearts. Rest in loving, eternal peace, Butch.

Funeral services will be held at Beckman-Williamson Funeral Home on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at 2:00 pm, located at 5400 Village Drive, Viera/ Rockledge, FL 32955

Arrangements are being made to broadcast the service via Facebook Live for those who can’t attend in person. Details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Butch’s honor to the William Childs Hospice House, 381 Medplex Pkwy. Palm Bay, FL 32907 or Fellsmere Historical Church, P.O. Box 997, Fellsmere, FL 32948 Online condolences may be made at www.beckmanwilliamson.com (Beckman-Williamson Funeral Homes)