Walter Anthony Flansburg

Honoring the late Walter (Butch) Anthony Flansburg who was born June 24, 1944 in Utica, New York to Walter and Viola Flansburg. He was a devoted Catholic. Butch learning from a young age that his father who was originally from Germany, was sadly a prisoner of war. With his mother working during this time his grandmother from Italy helped raise him and he learned to speak fluent Italian with her.

As he got older he would look forward to listening to boxing matches on the radio with his father and grandfather, later his family purchased a television and he thoroughly enjoyed watching the fights. Butch attended public schools in New York, he would sing acapella with a quartet group harmonizing on the street corners in Syracuse, New York.

Butch joined the United States Marines after high school and was proud to have served our country. He was stationed in Cherry Point, North Carolina, and his friends & family could always count on a good story or two of his experience as a Marine.

Butch after moving to Miami, FL, discover his passion as a photographer, he would take photos of many and was very good at it. Because he had become one of the most sought-after photographers, along with his unique skillset he was quickly recruited by the Miami fight scene. He would often find himself spending days and late nights at the 5th Street Gym in Miami, Florida. His ability to capture the action, chronicle a fight, and project riveting images from the ring, lead to his work being featured in The Boxing Digest and Boxing World both highlighting his talents. He quickly became acquainted with the late Dundee brothers, Angelo and Chris having spent so much time at the gym. He also befriended the late Muhamad Ali, Alberto Duran, and Alexis Arguello. He would find himself in the company of other public figures such as; James Caan, Roy Jones, Don King, Sugar Ray Leonard, Maydad Ronen, and Pinklon Thomas.

Butch had quickly evolved into a businessman by day, all the while running his photography business by night. He eventually relocated to the Tampa area in 1986. It was here where he exhibited another talent and started another business known as Bathtubs Unlimited Inc. One could infer he was an entrepreneur and very talented, yet possessing the characteristics of a gentle soul. Shortly thereafter he met the love of his life and best friend Kathy. They dated for three short years and he later married her in the spring.

Although he was very busy with his new business, his passion and dedication to the boxing world never wavered. With Kathy by his side he continued to nurture and contribute to the boxing world his many resources and dedicated his time. The National Boxing Association (NBA) recognized Butch’s leadership enlisting him as a board member and nominating him for Presidency of the organization this position was held from 1997- 2018. As president of the NBA, he traveled extensively throughout the United States and abroad with Kathy accompanied him to countries such as; China, France, Germany, Finland, Antiqua, Panama and Slovakia just to name a few.

In 2009, one of Butch’s dreams became a reality. In 2009, one of Butch’s dreams became a reality. He along with Kathy and several trusted colleagues embarked to establish The Florida Boxing Hall of Fame (FBHOF). The Executive Board was formed and Butch was of course nominated President of the organization and history was made.

Butch Flansburg was the poster child to the mission of The Florida Boxing Hall of Fame, “We came together to honor former professional boxers, to promote the sport of boxing, and support various youth programs in communities that teaches discipline, dedication to the sport and respect”. He supported these programs throughout the state of Florida. Over his twelve-year tenure with the FBHOF, the organization had grown and participation has increased to competitively exceed many other Boxing Hall of Fame entities across the nation. He humbly retired from the FBHOF November 2020. Anyone who knew Butch comically understood he was somewhat shy and clearly did not enjoy public speaking! It was a standard joke each year when he gave his Presidents speech at the Gala dinner. However, over time he became better at it and eventually learned to perfect it, well almost.

Butch took great pride in cooking his authentic Italian meals, especially spaghetti and meat balls! In addition to cooking he also enjoyed other hobbies such as; watching old westerns, old cars and specifically dodge car restorations, and he was also a connoisseur of all music genre’s, jazz, and Elvis Presley while he especially loved the 50’s Rock ‘n Roll. Butch also went through some sort of a life crisis sporadically purchasing his pride and joy 2016 Dodge Charger! He lived life to the fullest!

Butch was proceeded in death by his parents Walter and Viola Flansburg.

He is survived by his loving wife of many years, Kathy, his devoted daughter Renee, his beloved son Jason, and his only brother David. He leaves to cherish his precious grandchildren and a host of family and friends.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following:

American Veterans (AmVets) (www.amvets.org)

American Legion Post 5 (www.post5tampa.org)

LifePath Hospice (chaptershealth.org)

March 12, 2022

12:00 Noon

Mary Help of Christians

6400 E. Chelsea Street

Tampa, FL 33610

Kathy [email protected]

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HillsboroMemorial.com for the Flansburg family.