Janet A. Butera

Janet was born in Danbury on June 14, 1940, the daughter of the late Michael and Marie Gallo. A lifelong resident of the community, Janet dedicated her career to education as an elementary school teacher with the Danbury Board of Education. She earned her Master’s degree and took great pride in the many years she spent educating and inspiring children. In addition to her career in education, Janet carried on her family’s entrepreneurial tradition by continuing to operate Butera and Gallo’s Package Store, a family business passed down to her by her father. She devoted many years to the business, proudly carrying on her father’s legacy and serving the Danbury community.

Janet was a longtime member of St. Joseph Church in Danbury and was also a member of the Amerigo Vespucci organization. She was actively involved in the City of Danbury, serving as a Common Councilman-at-Large. Her creativity and love of sewing also led her to work as a seamstress in the costume department of the Danbury State Fair.

A talented and creative woman, Janet enjoyed crocheting, stained glass, ceramics, word-search books, and computer games. She especially loved sewing and took great pleasure in making curtains, clothing, and other creations for her family and home.

During the winter months, Janet and her husband, Louis, enjoyed spending time at their condo in Century Village in Deerfield Beach, Florida, where they made many friends and cherished memories together. Janet was also well known for the annual Fourth of July parties she and her husband hosted for more than 30 years. The celebration grew larger every year, eventually welcoming more than 300 guests. Janet personally prepared the entire Italian buffet, taking great pride in cooking for and bringing together her family, friends, and community. Her creativity, generosity, and dedication to those around her will be remembered by all who knew her.

In addition to her parents, Michael and Marie Gallo, Janet was predeceased by her son Kevin (age 4), her sister, Carol Sheehan, and her brother, Michael Gallo.

Janet is survived by her devoted husband, Louis Butera to whom she was married to for 67 years; her son, Tom Butera and his wife, Kim; her daughter, Sandra Gervasio and her husband, Tony; her beloved grandchildren, Matthew, Nicholas, Lindsey, and Morgan; and her brother, Anthony Gallo. She also leaves behind many extended family members and friends who will cherish her memory.

The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to Honey Bee Homecare for the care and support they provided to Janet. Special thanks go to Sandra Illescas, Janet’s personal caregiver, for the exceptional care, kindness, and compassion she showed Janet and her family. The family also gratefully acknowledges Ruth Alphonso for her guidance and expertise.

Janet will be remembered for her love of family, her dedication to her community and students, and the warmth and creativity she brought to the lives of those around her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, September 28, 2026, from 4 - 7 PM at Green Funeral Home, 57 Main St., Danbury.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 10 AM at St. Joseph Church, 376 Main St., Danbury, followed by burial at St. Peter Cemetery, 71 Lake Ave. Ext., Danbury.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding research to prevent, slow, and ultimately cure Alzheimer’s disease. https://curealz.org.