Francis (Butch) L. Chandler
“What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes part of us.”
Thank you for your service
Francis served in the armed forces. We honor that service here.
Francis "Butch" Chandler 1940 - 2021
UTICA - Francis Lyle "Butch" Chandler, 81, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, passed away, surrounded by his loving family, on Monday, February 8, 2021, in his home.
Butch was born in Utica, on January 10, 1940, son of the late Lyle and Rose (Filipelli) Chandler. He was educated in local schools and a graduate of TR Proctor High School. After high school, Butch proudly served the US Navy from 1960 to 1962.
In 1962, he married the love of his life, the former Nancy DeSantis. They were happily married until her passing on March 14, 2004.
Butch was a master heavy equipment mechanic, who also took pride in his auto body repair skills. He retired from N.D. Peters Concrete Co.
Butch loved spending time with family and friends. Some of his happiest times were spent with his wife and kids, singing and dancing. He also loved traveling to Florida. He was an avid stock car racing fan and always enjoyed getting together with his many friends to talk about "the good old days".
Our loving father is survived by his children, Cristina (Jack) Johnson, Lisa (Mike) Carzo, Frank (Debbie) Chandler, Carrie Chandler, Josette Chandler, David Chandler and Sam Tantillo; fifteen beloved grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; three brothers and two sisters, Lyle, Jr. (Karleen) Chandler, Sam (Sheila) Chandler, George (Debbie) Chandler, Mary Ellen Gahan and Rosalie (Antonio) DeSantis; several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends, with special mention of Tony Meola, Nick Parrotta and Carl LaMalfa.
He was predeceased by an infant great-grandson, Franco Tantillo; infant brother; three half-sisters; and sister, Maria "Ria" Chrystie.
Relatives and friends are invited to his Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, at 10 a.m., at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. The church is at limited capacity so please arrive a little early to register for COVID-19 tracing. A face mask covering the nose and mouth and social distancing will be required. Private interment will be with his beloved Nancy, at St. Agnes Cemetery.
Our family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to their sister, Carrie, for the exceptional care given to our Pops.
In lieu of flowers, consider donating to Butch's favorite charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at stjude.org
Butch and Nancy, "Together Again".
Online Memorials at MattFuneralHome.com
Francis’s life, in a printed book
We design every page from Francis’s 142 photos. Make it yours, then order a copy for everyone who loved Francis.
Pops and Ashley
Pops working
Nanci and Papa
Papa and Nanci
Papa talking to us
Papa singing
The world Francis knew
Family milestones in gold, history for context
Be the first to share a memory
No account needed. Have one? Sign in
Help manage Francis's memorial
Family members and close friends can help add photos, stories and moments from Francis's life. Ask the family to add you.
Sign in to ask