I have long admired the stories of unsung heroes behind famous faces. Richard Wayne Butala exemplifies this perfectly. Born around 1935 and departing on November 7 2016 at age 81 he lived a life of quiet strength and profound family devotion. His journey from Pennsylvania roots to California success shaped not only his career but also the foundation for his daughter’s Hollywood fame. Like a steady rocket launching into the sky his path blended precision with warmth. I find it remarkable how one man could anchor such a sprawling clan while soaring in his professional world.
Pennsylvania Roots That Grounded Him
Richard Wayne Butala drew strength from his Croatian American heritage. His parents John George Butala who lived from 1906 to 1973 and Mary Ann Ference Butala who lived from 1910 to 1999 raised an impressive family of 11 children in the Sharon area. This large clan fostered resilience and close bonds. I see it as a sturdy tree with deep roots spreading across generations. The family values of loyalty and hard work passed down like a cherished heirloom. Those early years in Pennsylvania planted seeds that would bloom in California decades later. Even after moves west the connections remained unbreakable. Richard carried this foundation everywhere he went shaping every decision with the lessons of a big family.
Sibling Connections Across States
With 10 siblings, Richard created a nationwide network. In 1958, his brother Tony Butala became The Lettermen’s lead singer. Other brothers like Ventura’s Bill and Stanton’s Michael kept the family together. Sisters Joan in Sharon, Pennsylvania, and Genevieve Campbell in San Luis Obispo, California, finished the photo Over a dozen direct siblings and their families provided decades of support. I see holiday parties with stories and laughter bridging miles. The Butala siblings communicated during moves and milestones. Their bond was as reliable as Richard’s later contracts. This support network included nieces, nephews, and cousins, enriching the family.
A Loving Marriage and Family Foundation
In 1956 Richard Wayne Butala married Sue Grace Butala in Santa Barbara California. Their union produced three children who each carved unique paths. First came daughter Deborah in December 1957. Then son Richard around March 1961. Finally youngest daughter Jenna on September 30 1971 in the Los Angeles area. Sue managed the home with grace while Richard provided stability. Their marriage stood as a pillar much like the contracts he negotiated in his career. I often imagine the Northridge household buzzing with energy three kids growing up under Roman Catholic values and creative encouragement. The family unit became a launchpad for dreams. Sue and Richard raised their children with balance blending discipline and freedom. This foundation allowed each child to flourish in their own way while keeping the family close.
Career Achievements in the Aerospace World
Richard Wayne Butala excelled at Hughes Aircraft Company. He advanced to vice president of government contracts a role that demanded precision and vision. Retiring in 2000 after years of service he left a mark on defense projects. His work supported major initiatives that helped shape technology in the skies. I think of his career as the engine powering innovation. No major awards are noted but his steady rise speaks volumes about dedication. From the 1950s through the 1990s he navigated complex deals with skill. This executive position brought financial security and pride to the family. Richard balanced long hours with home life a feat many find challenging. His retirement opened new chapters in Arizona yet the lessons from Hughes stayed with him. Like a pilot charting a steady course he guided his professional life with focus and integrity.
Children and Their Individual Stories
All three kids excelled under this tutelage. Deborah married Michael Pastori and moved to Sun City, Arizona. The son Richard lived in Palmdale, California. Jenna Elfman became famous for Dharma and Greg and other roles. She studied dance and was creative. Jenna married Bodhi Elfman in 1995, continuing the family pattern of strong partnerships. I love how the Butala youngsters followed their dreams while honoring their ancestry. Deborah and Richard focused on family in private. Jenna was famous but stayed true to her parents. Despite occupational differences, the siblings stayed close. These pathways were shaped by their parents’ unity. Each child enriched the family saga with their individual contributions.
Grandchildren Carrying the Torch
Richard Wayne Butala welcomed grandchildren who brightened his later years. Through Jenna came Story Elias Elfman born July 23 2007 and Easton Quinn Monroe Elfman on March 2 2010. Additional grandchildren via his other children brought the total to several more. One great grandchild arrived by 2016. These young lives represent the ongoing bloom of his family tree. I envision the joy these arrivals brought during retirement. The grandchildren inherited creativity and resilience from both sides. Family events likely filled with stories from Pennsylvania and tales of aerospace adventures. This next generation extended the legacy far beyond one lifetime. Bonds across four generations showed the true depth of Richard’s influence.
A Timeline of a Life Well Lived
A timeline of events is presented below: | Year | Event | | 1935 | Birth in Pennsylvania | | 1956 | Marriage to Sue Grace in Santa Barbara | | December 1957 | Birth of Deborah | | March 1961 | Birth of Richard | | September 30, 1971 | Birth of Jenna | | 1950s-1990s | Career progression at Hughes Aircraft | | 2000 | Retirement as VP of government contracts | | July 23, 2007 |
This table shows his 81-year milestones. I enjoy how one man’s choices rippled like pond waves as I revisit these dates. Each entry is a growth and achievement chapter.
FAQ
Who was Richard Wayne Butala married to?
Richard Wayne Butala shared his life with Sue Grace Butala. They wed in 1956 and built a family together in California. She supported him through his career and beyond creating a stable home for their three children.
How many siblings did Richard Wayne Butala have?
He was one of 11 children in total. This included famous brother Tony Butala and others scattered across California and Pennsylvania. The large family fostered lifelong connections that spanned states and decades.
What career did Richard Wayne Butala pursue?
He worked in aerospace at Hughes Aircraft Company rising to vice president of government contracts. Retirement came in 2000 after dedicated years. His role involved critical defense projects that demanded skill and leadership.
Who are the children of Richard Wayne Butala?
His children include Deborah born 1957 Richard born 1961 and actress Jenna Elfman born 1971. Each pursued their own journeys while staying connected. They built lives in Arizona California and the entertainment world.
What grandchildren did Richard Wayne Butala have?
Notable ones are Story Elias Elfman born 2007 and Easton Quinn Monroe Elfman born 2010 through Jenna. Others came from his additional children totaling a vibrant next generation. These arrivals brought joy in his later years.
Where did Richard Wayne Butala pass away?
He departed in Sun City Arizona on November 7 2016. The location reflected later life moves while family roots stayed strong in Pennsylvania and California.
How did his family heritage influence him?
The Croatian American background from his parents provided a foundation of resilience and large family values that he passed on. This heritage shaped his approach to career marriage and raising children with unwavering loyalty.
