Louis M. "Butch" Dovichow

Louis M. "Butch" Dovichow, age 77, of Erie, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on August 1, 2024. He was born on March 8, 1947, a son of Shirley G. (Zimmer) Dovichow and the late Louis R. Dovichow.

Following his high school graduation, Butch answered the call to serve his country in the U.S. Army and fought alongside his brothers in Vietnam. A hero in every sense of the word, Butch was awarded a Bronze Star Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

Upon his return, Butch began his 40 year career as a plumber and pipefitter with Local 47. An avid outdoorsman, Butch loved to hunt and fish. He was a member of the VFW Post 470 where he enjoyed spending time with his many friends and playing BINGO on Thursday nights. Butch valued his friendships he made over the years. He could often be found catching up with an old buddy over breakfast or sitting on his porch waving to anyone who walked by the house.

For over 62 years, Butch and his wife, Linda, built a life together filled with love that included three children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandsons.

In addition to his Father, Butch was preceded in death by his sister, Shirley Ann Pakiela and is finally reunited with his beloved Labradors, Molly and Chancey.

Butch is survived by his dear Mother, Shirley, his wife of 55 years, Linda; three children, Lisa Jones (Aaron), Michael Dovichow (Sheila), and Kristy Dovichow; five grandchildren, Kayley Baron (William), Taylor, Derek, and Corey Jones, and Devon Dovichow; two great-grandsons, Robert and Harrison Baron; and a brother, Steven Dovichow (Janice). Butch also leaves behind many dear friends and his loyal companions Maggie and Buddy.

Our family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the doctors, nurses, and staff at the Erie VA Medical Center, the Hillman Cancer Center, and Great Lakes Hospice.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, August 8, at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry Street, from 3 p.m. until the time of service there at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that a memorial donation be made in Butch's name to Project Healing Waters (www.projecthealingwaters.org).