I am so sorry to hear that he (Butch) already left us. After my parents (Taning and Primo Publico) funeral on 2007.  I loss contacts to everyone.  In be half of my family, My sincere condolence RIP cuz. 

Peter Publico

Hi Travis. Your Uncle Rene called my brother, Robert to let our family know of the sad news of your Uncle Butch’s passing. We were the same age and hung out a lot during the summers of our high school years. My family sends their sincere condolences to you, your mom and her siblings and parents. May he Rest In Peace.

So sorry to learn about Butch.

He was full of joy, and was very respectful to me and your Ate Tipin.  Now he is in that beautiful place, where there is no pain and suffering, just eternal joy.

I will miss him.  I was not aware of his health.  Last, I talked with him on the phone on Thanksgiving Day,  he sounded well.  It was in the morning.  Tito Tony and Tita Loly were still in bed.  So, I had chance to talk with Butch.

Please excuse me, my brothers, if it's inappropriate to celebrate the life of Jimmy's brother, Butch, when I dedicate tonight's encore (of me playing drums in the garage) to my memory of his winning smile and absolutely self-less dedication to his family. 
I heard of his passing today from our neighbor, Susan Heisler. Those Seminary Ridge ties are very strong! It crushes me to think he's not around anymore. I have fond memories of hearing Butch play your drums from time to time. The song totally reminded me of those wonderful days when life was simpler, on Lochmoor Court. 
Chris, I also apologize if this is the first you've heard about Jimmy's brother passing. I just meant to let you know. 
Again, here's to those days, I cherish that we grew up together--a ton! Much sappy love to you and your ohanas. Buzzed/Exhausted Paul signing off.❤️

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSkFygPCTwE


I remember Tito Butch always lovingly pinching me. I remember this one time me, Paloma, and Ryan we're sitting on a rug, Tito Butch came into the room and started biting Palomas arm. She started crying!
                                                               -Simon

Eulogy by Rene 
(cont'd_2)

Despite the sadness and the pains of love that your death has caused us, I too am very glad and happy that you no longer have to suffer. No more mental illness, depression, and pains that the cancer put you through. Watching you through your suffering since your youth, caused my heart to break. But your last days with us was most hurtful for me; watching you struggle to say a word or swallow a teaspoon of water. But perhaps through that experience you found out how much your five sisters love you as they argued among themselves how to give you comfort. Knowing you, I can only imagine at times when you just wanted to tell us to leave you alone. It seems that Mama can no longer comprehend your leaving us in this world, but I think that is a good thing, or she may have died in sorrow. But Papa is strong and he can carry her burden. For now, you know now how much Papa and Jimmy truly love you and how much they will miss you.
But rest assured, this is not the memory that I will remember you by. But rather the great times we had from my earliest memories growing up; from our childhood in the Philippines to the last days we partied together. I will forever remember the joys we shared, the laughter, and the many happy experiences we had with our family and friends.
It has been very difficult mourning your death, knowing that I can no longer hug and kiss you, or watch you smile from this day. But I shall remember you alive and happy for the rest of my life to the time you greet me when my day also comes.


Eulogy by Rene
(cont'd_1)

You have taught me many lessons that you may not know. So today, I will tell you what those precious lessons are. Among them:
1.	Kindness & Generosity- when we were kids, I remember times you gave your candies to other kids who did not have as much. Even to a point that they had more than you. And yet you were happy for them.
2.	Fidelity- unquestionable faithfulness and loyalty to your family and friends
3.	The love for innocence- displayed by the joy you show when around the many children in our family
4.	Selflessness- you helped me to think of others besides myself and prioritizing their needs instead of our own wants. You helped me every time I asked for your help or favor. And not just me, but everyone who asked from you. Especially Papa, whom you always wanted to please, even when it was difficult for you. 
5.	Accepting the cards that we are dealt with and playing them with enthusiasm despite the outcome- we know this too well from all the poker games we enjoyed together
6.	Do not be judgmental of people- I do not remember one time when you expressed a harsh judgement of anyone
7.	Keeping it simple and don’t let the materials of this world govern your life. You proved to me that the heart and the soul is worth so much more than the wealth of this world.
I can only hope that I have been a blessing in your life as you have been in mine.


Eulogy by Rene

My Dear Brother Butch,

First, I want to thank God for His most precious gift of life. Secondly, I want to thank the Lord for allowing you to share your love and your life with us, and ours with you. And most of all, thank you Lord for the life of your own son whom you he gave so that we may know of your own love for us. 
Father, we receive endless blessings, gifts and favors from you, but we do not always recognize the love from your heart when we accept them. Today, along with Butch, we take the time to thank you for one of such gift. I speak of the gift of faith in your son Jesus, which you bestowed on Butch and our family.
Butch, because of God’s love, you live in harmony with our family members who passed before you. With Mamo, our beloved Bishop Sorra, along with the many Titos and Titas, Lolos and Lolas, cousins and close friends who came before you, they can greet you in heaven. May you all delight in the presence of the Lord.
Since you took your last breath on earth, you probably learned more about each of us than you could imagine. Among our siblings, you are the closest to my heart. You should not be surprised to hear that. It was you who I confided in most. The one with whom I shared my closest secrets, my dreams and successes, my failures and disappointments, telling you things that I found too difficult to confess to a priest, even to our brother priest, Jimmy.


My fondest memory of Butch is on one of our visits with Tio Tony and Tita Loly.  He was the only one home.  Coming from New Jersey, he knew we were hungry.  He immediately started putting out whatever he found in the fridge and offered it to us.  He was so welcoming. 

Butch was a gentle soul.  He was kind, soft spoken and always ready to help.  Butch was fond of children.  He loved his nephews and nieces.  He had childlike qualities that endeared him to me and Boboy and am sure to a lot of people. 

We will miss Butch dearly.  But we have beautiful memories of him to cherish.

Butch,  
Don and I  have many good time memories of our stay with you while Don was having his treatment at JHH. You were our pizza-eating partner. I recall one day I told you it is so easy to prepare pizza and you said HOW. I replied flour and water and you laughed I added SOY   and you looked at me with that BUTCH look. I insisted on SOY and so I shared the little that I know about making the dough of pizza.  Salt Oil and Yeast. And you turned around to laugh. Of course, there is so much more about pizza and the ingredients needed. But yes Butch it was fun just being able to have quick exchanges of anything and everything from the garden and the trees and the leaves and a colorful bird that came by the kitchen window, your truck, and the trail where your mom and Don would choose to have a walk.  We haven't had a chance to return for some years now. In the times you were going through the special journey of splinters of the cross, all we could offer was prayers. All we asked for was the least discomfort and as the end was near we prayed for peaceful passage. Vaya A Dios dear Butch. Leave us that special smile of yours in our hearts. 

 Your friend Mesh says. I will remember you Butch saying you were off for golf.   Enjoy the game. See you someday. 

We are one with the clan in joyful memory of a good BUTCH. 
Hugs,hugs and more hugs.  
Tito Don Tita Med   Mesh  Angel and Jun. 

We have signed you up for Gregorian Masses for 30 days.   

Dearest Butch,

I was reminded by our cousin, Omar, how you were often the first person to greet us at family gatherings, because you were usually outside smoking a cigarette, no matter the weather, and often with a smile or a tease, or a bite for Paloma. I felt honored that you were able to muster up a smile, a fraction of joy in your most fragile state, in what would be our last interaction via cellular screen. I will miss your presence, your sweet nature, generosity of spirit, the non-judgmental acceptance of whatever I shared with you at the time. I will miss chanting your name at Christmas when the time comes for you to receive a present.  However quiet you were, your presence was always known. Even in your passing, that will always be with us, I'm sure of it.  All I have to do is turn on the radio and listen to some classic rock.  

I love you, Butch.

Kristin

My heart aches for the passing of Butch.  I struggle with a perceived injustice from God who would allow someone who struggled through life, struggle to the very end.  Suffer.  I'm reminded though that many famous Saints suffered too in life and death.  He truly deserves to be in their company.  Lately, when thinking of him, I recall the Book of Boy about a hunchback child who covers his hump with a cloak with the help  of a priest only to discover later that the hump is tightly wrapped wings and that he’s an angel not a boy.  That’s Butch to me.  As mentioned by his siblings, yes, Butch is the best of the Sorra’s.  Maybe that’s because he is most loved.

I did not have the privilege of knowing  Antonio, but I had the great privilege of knowing Father Jim Sorra. My prayers are offered for the soul of Antonio and his family and friends. May his soul be with our Lord in His eternal presence.
 Deacon Chuck (Ret)


I am so sorry about Butch. I’m thinking of you and family. Mark and I were talking about Butch on Monday night just out of the blue. And today Mark was telling me how kind Butch was to him at a party where Butch took him aside and explained all the  Philippino dishes and suggested what Mark should try first. I had a similar memory but not with the food. It was who was who in the family. I thought he was one of the older siblings bc he knew everything about everybody. 
May good memories hug your heart right now. 
Love Peggy

(Eulogy, cont'd)

He was devoted and obedient to Papa, to Mama, and Tita. He was so aware of their love, support and protection of him. In turn, he lived out his gratitude by his love, support and protection of them. Even when he was already sick, sometimes he was the only one who could get Mama to take her medications. He was so patient and always respectful.
 
Even the mental illness he lived with never overshadowed. It was part of Butch, for sure, and he endured a lot because of it, but it didn’t define who he was or our individual relationships with him. When we brothers and sisters got too overprotective of him, he would say, “I’m mentally ill, not stupid.” 
 
That’s another thing. Nothing ever got in the way of his sense of humor. He always had something pithy and hilarious to say in just about any situation. A long time ago before he even got sick, he said he didn’t want to be cremated. Why? I asked. He said, “‘Cause I don’t want to have to burn twice.”
 
——-
In the end, Butch, you remained so generous to us, allowing us to surround you even when you probably would’ve preferred to be alone. Thank you for that privilege. Thank you for un-self-consciously sharing yourself.  

Your being gone is a contradiction for us. Despite our grief, there is so much to be grateful for.  We miss you so, so much. At the same time, we are so very happy you are at peace, surrounded by love down here and most especially by God’s own loving, eternal embrace. 
 

Eulogy written by Mary Ann and Cecile Sorra

Thank you all for being here to remember our Butch, to pray with us, to mourn with us. We are especially grateful for all the doctors, nurses and technicians who helped care for Butch over the last couple of years, especially Dr. Donehower, Butch’s oncologist at Hopkins. 
 
You all would probably agree that Butch would’ve hated being surrounded by so many people and at the center of attention. In fact, he’d prefer to be at his usual seat over there, back behind the pillar. But in his customary way, he’s relenting and letting us have our way.
 
Butch was passionate about a few  things — singing classic rock songs, playing golf, betting the roulette wheel, and hugging little kids and babies. But as you all also know, Butch was actually NOT a good singer. He was NOT a good golf player. He was NOT a lucky gambler.  Sometimes the kids cried because he geegled them too hard.  

Often we love something because we are good at it. It reflects well on us. We are the center of our universe. But Butch pretty much never made anything about himself.  He loved for love's sake.  He gave  himself over to the joy of it.  

His was a special kind of ego — “meek and humble of heart.”  Not servile or weak, but an encompassing, self-giving love. 
 
So many stories of Butch are about how he helped us in ways large and small — from teaching Edwin how to drive a stick or moving countless furniture, to giving rides to and from the airport, to driving Marisa to her first job interview. He even drove Mary Ann all the way to North Carolina for an interview because she was too scared to drive by herself — and because Papa told him to.  
 
(cont'd)

Eulogy by Ate (cont'd):

brokenness in us and in our family. Butch said many times during the course of his illness, how thankful he was for all the help we give him in going through his illness and treatment.  Little did he know that it was he who was helping us. We had been given the great privilege of walking with him and caring for him in during his illness and in his dying. And we are richly blessed with the healing Christ gives us through Butch. Look for it, the healing, it’s there, even if it’s just beginning, even if it’s only just now that we’re beginning to recognize it.  Let’s honor and remember his life by receiving and allowing his help, even now as he intercedes for us, as he continues to “help people”.

(cont'd)
At the risk of canonizing and beatifying him (as Jimmy warns us not to do at every funeral), how could I not think of Butch in hearing today's 2nd reading at mass (1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13)?  I could easily replace all the instances of "Love" with "Butch."  Butch is patient.  Butch is kind, Butch is not jealous, he is not pompous, he is not inflated, he is not rude, he does not seek his own interests (unless he's at the casino), he is not quick tempered.  Butch bears all things, he hopes all things, Butch endures all things.

I didn't expect to miss Butch as much as I do.  I underestimated him. He remains this constant presence that I now miss so much.

I wasn't particularly close to Butch growing up.  If I can remember correctly, he was just old enough to NOT play Star Wars with Mary Ann, Kristin, Jimmy, Mark and Butchie dela Cruz and me.  In fact, we might have been enemies since I remember a lot of girls vs. boys things going on when we went to Lochmoor.

Even though I didn't actively seek him out as a little girl, I sensed his constant presence. 

His constant presence provided the live, classic rock soundtrack to my childhood.  I can hear his voice -- reliably and impressively screaming and screeching from his room upstairs at Lochmoor while we played.

When I grew up and better understood his mental illness, saw his ups and downs, witnessed him in the middle of an acute episode at University of Maryland Hospital, he became more than the one dimensional singer at Lochmoor.

Then I had kids and got to know Tito Bite-bite!  He was instrumental in teaching the concept of "geegling" or being so overwhelmed with love and affection for someone you have to bite them.  My kids would squeal with equal measures of delight and fear as they offered their arms up to him for the bites.

All the while, he remained that constant presence.  If he wasn't in his room avoiding people, he'd always greet me with a smile.  Even if he didn't feel like it.

Tito Tony, Tita Loly, Tita Mening, Ate, Cong, Moosie, Tiyen, Engking, Jimmy and Mary Ann -- you are so lucky to have spent more time with him. You got to be closer to him.  I'm dealing with that classic case of taking his constant presence for granted.

How can someone who sings so loudly also such have a quiet presence? He took up more space than I thought.

I think of his vulnerability, his humility, his gentleness (despite his biting).   

Eulogy by Ate:
During conversation with the hospice nurse on the evening Butch died, we were telling her about how there are 2 nurses and a doctor among us 8 siblings. Then the hospice nurse asked “So what kind of work does Butch do?” Without missing a beat, Jimmy answered, “He helps people”. I thought, YES, that was the truest and most profound answer. And that same truth resonates in the posts and letters and messages we’ve received.
Butch lived the simplest life. He didn’t have much material possessions of his own. He didn’t have a profession per se or any specialized trade. He lived humbly, simply, quietly. And that’s how “he helps people” - with his humility, simplicity, and quiet presence, from which poured out the thousand little acts and ways that helped in often unknown, unrecognized, yet profound ways. 
That evening of his passing, Mary Ann also read to us a meditation for that day from Pope Benedict that was quite fitting. The meditation related to St. Paul’s letter to the Romans about our identification with Christ through our baptism, such that we share both his death and his life. A line from the meditation that particularly struck us that evening is this: “Christ is in us/you or in me… In this sense, the Apostle even went so far as to describe our suffering as the suffering of Christ in us, so that we might always carry in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.” For me, that statement gave a deeper understanding of Isiah’s prophesy “by his stripes, we are healed”.
Butch also had much suffering in his life, up to and including his sickness all the way to the end.  Going by the message from the meditation, that means Butch’s suffering has been the suffering of Christ in him, in Butch.  And so, perhaps his suffering is also the most unknown yet greatest help to us his family. For God has been using Butch’s suffering, Christ’s suffering in Butch, to heal the different  (cont'd next post)....

We are friends of dear brother Knights of Columbus Rene Sorra, Joanna, and his family. 
We attended the mass, funeral and luncheon of Antonio "Butch" Sorra on 31st Jan. 2022.  It was compassionately touching to experience and support the Sorra families. May Butch's soul RIP forever.  He is with Jesus Christ forever.
God brought us into this world and according to God's plans, we go back to the eternal resting place to God in the heavenly kingdom and eternal salvation. This grieving process to experience such a sad loss of a beloved family member Butch, is the strength in this family that brings them and friends together to celebrate the life of their son/brother/uncle/friend dear Butch.  
His memory will live forever! 
♥️♥️♥️ Our friendship, love and prayers.
Jerome, Lovee, Saxston.
(The Faison family)

From:  Dr. Ross C. Donehower
Butch’s Oncologist


Butch,

Today would’ve been the 6th Friday Mass as I offered 9 Masses every Friday for your intention.  You are now in Eternal peace and happiness with our Good Lord and enjoy the reunion with the rest of our family up there in heaven.  I’ll miss your contagious laughs, your kindness that I feel every time we talked, whether over the phone or in person.  I love you 🙏❤️

Hi Kuya Butch! 

Remember those days when you all visited us in the Philippines? I was just a little girl  back then, who was so scared to get near my "stateside" cousins simply because I couldn't speak English well enough to be understood. I was always the shy and "suplada" Triccie who would rather hide behind Mama than talk to my Fil-Am cousins. You would even try to come and talk to me even though I'm scared. I also recalled the time you had to say goodbye as you all head back to the US. You would try to hug me and say "beso, beso!" and I ran away. 😆
Little did I know that when I moved to America years later, and got to know my cousins here even more, you became one of the few that I can easily talk to. You were the same Kuya Butch that I met when you came to the Philippines. You were still warm, soft- spoken and kind. I will miss and cherish those chats we had whenever we stop by at Lochmoor (while smoking and drinking wine/beer). Thank you for always being there when Mama and I needed help...when I needed a "Kuya" since both of my brothers are far away from me. 
We will miss you deeply. We still could not picture that you are no longer there the next time we visit Lochmoor. We find consolation from the wonderful memories you have left us and we want to thank God for having you become part of our lives. 
We love you, Kuya Butch. May you rest in peace. -- Triccie 


To recall just one memory would be a disservice to our time together. The smell of cigarette smoke on the threads of your sweater, sharp stubble on your cheek against mine when I went in for a kiss, the warmth of your embrace, your attentive facial expressions when we exchanged the family “tea”. Oreos disappear in your presence, classic rock amplifies through red carpet hallways and rainbow walls. I told you you were always my favorite uncle. I deeply and sincerely empathized with your mental health battle. We all could have done more. But I just hope you remember how much we love you. How much we just wanted to be around you, but respected your space. I love you so much Uncle Butch. Thank you for showing me true obedience, humility, how to bear the struggle with the thorn/cross God has given each of  us, and your overwhelming, non-judgmental, kindness. My heart is with you now and in whatever lies beyond, Rae Rae.

Brother Rene and the Sorra Family,
I am so sorry for your loss.
May his soul rest in peace.

Hey Butch,
You have been my good friend for more than 45 years. We could write a great story together of all the adventures we had before life got in the way. The log cabin for example, and all the fun we had building it and the parties after. Remember when the fire department came. They were super cool. Let us keep the fire going because we had such a safe setup. All the times with Rainer and Charlie up the hill behind our houses. We shared the best part of our lives together, our childhood. We had no worries about anything else but what fun we were going to have that day. It's been my honor to be your friend. You always guided us in the right direction. We would have definitely been in trouble more without you talking us out of some stuff. I'm glad you got to meet my kids. I've never told you but they all commented on the fact I was blessed with having that one great friend that you know will always be there. I'm happy that your family never left the cul-de-sac. I would look forward to coming to visit you when I came home every year and most recently many times a year. I will miss that very very much. I was praying that you would win this fight. I am very impressed. You fought hard, but never showed any weakness, never complained, never angry wondering why you. You let me visit when you didn't feel like seeing anyone. I love you for that. I will keep those conversations we had in my heart always. I wish you would have won, but who am I to go against what Jesus's plans are for you. I know I will see you again some day. I may spend some time in the holding station repaying my sins but I look forward to seeing you again in the glory of heaven. I wonder if we can get in trouble there? I'm thinking we will find a way. My heart is breaking that I can not be there with you today. My promise to you is I will see you in May when I come home. Your friend for eternity. David

My heart is with you today. Please give Butch a kiss on his forehead for me and tell him I love him.

(cont'd)

The days, months and years that followed revealed much of you, Butch. Behind that charming meekness is genuine kindness and humility. Your frequent silence is an interesting piece for discernment. Those brief conversations with you were disclosures of something - I should say, Wisdom, in the guise of silence. There was so much to learn from you. Recounting all our experiences with you during our 10 years of stay in the U.S will take pages to finish and you might get bored reading.

Butch, we can never thank you enough for all the big help - driving for me and Triccie; loading and unloading all sorts of stuff in your truck; patient waiting, and a lot more.

Yes, there is sorrow in the grief -stricken family you left behind because the seal of death came too soon and closed that youthful life, but we gather consolation in our own vision of Paradise: a kingdom where all tears are wiped away, where pain and miseries find no space, and most of all, the ultimate place to behold the Infinite Beauty of our Creator.

Butch, your silent voice, your endearing meekness and your unique goodness will continue to live in our memory and fill our hearts with tender affection for all that you had been.

Our very dear Butch, rest in the eternal sleep of heavenly peace. 

Till we meet again.

Thank you, God, for that opportunity to know Butch Sorra better.

Affectionately,
Tita Aida.


To very dear Butch,

Hi Butch, As you lie in deep slumber in the Great Beyond in the warm embrace of the Father, find time to read this letter when you wake up.

The year 2001: Recollect with me. This was a crucial year for immigrant greenhorns Triccie, your Tito Ipe and myself in a strange land - America. Uncertainties, fear and apprehensions of all sorts gripped us each day. The fast pace of American life was a stark contrast to our relaxed life in Manila. The Sorra clan was at our beck and call for all our needs. When I found a teaching job at Mt. de Sales Academy, we had to move to an apartment closest to the school on that last week of July 2001. Thanks to the instant manpower - your Papa, your Tito Manoling and YOU. You were, of course, the youngest and naturally, much of the lifting task fell on you. As I watched you guys transporting those few pieces of furniture and boxes, I marveled at your endurance and staying power, while the 3 men, in the prime of their age, would take intermittent rest during transfer intervals. We had fun despite exhaustion and strained muscles. That occasion was only the beginning of knowing you more, Butch, although we got acquainted with you during your 2 short visits in the Philippines.

When you left the apartment that late afternoon with your Papa and your Tito Manoling, you made a brief stop near me and whispered, "TIta Aida, if you need anything, please don't hesitate to call me." That offer, said in a low, shy tone, stung me, as I thought, "Would this young man, energetic and perhaps, adventure-driven, find time for newbies like us?" True enough, you proved true to your word for you said it again when we dropped by your house  in Lochmoor.


Memories of love are treasures to carry with you always.
Butch, you are my favorite nephew because
of your humility & gentleness. Your kindness & ever ready smile to lend a helping hand is always appreciated by your
Aunts & Uncles & friends.
To my brother Tony & family, have hope in
tomorrow, have faith in the everlasting &
take comfort in the love of friends & family.
Sorrow is a fleeting emotion but LOVE is 
infinite. Take comfort— those who love
will be reunited in eternity.

Butch's 60th Birthday --  All my love to you, Butch forever. Not goodbye but see you later.....T

Dear Brother Butch, although quiet you had a loud voice in bringing your whole Family together as one. You were always so vocally grateful about the help you received from your Family, but it was your help we all got from learning by your humility and love. Thank you Butch, for teaching us. I’ll miss those golf outings with you. Love you Bro. 

OBITUARY

Antonio "Butch" L. Sorra, Jr.

31 August, 1961 – 25 January, 2022

Lemmon Funeral Home of Dulaney Valley Inc.

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