Surwilo, Butch
Butch (Joseph) Surwilo, of Rocky Hill, Connecticut and New Smyrna Beach, Florida, passed away at 80 years old on Thursday August 26th. Butch is best known as the iconic owner for 57 years of Mr. Trophy & Company in
Hartford. Butch will always be remembered for his generosity, tireless commitment to the community, and unique style and sense of humor. Butch was truly one of a kind, from motorcycles to antique cars, watches to sunglasses, tanning to tattoos, that spectacular hair and a smile that lit up the room, and of course anything Elvis. Butch was the consummate business man, growing up and learning business basics from his parents and helping to run a family pizza restaurant, motel, and bowling alley. It was from his work at the bowling alley
that Mr. Trophy was born in the garage of his parents' home on Otis Street in the South End of Hartford. Butch's success was forged in kindness and his innate
ability to provide the highest level of customer service. He lived by his motto, “The customer is always right.” He recently retired and was enjoying his life in Florida, going to the beach every day (working on his tan) and riding his Harley with his perfect hair blowing in the wind. Most of all, Butch will be remembered as the kindest, most thoughtful, and loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. Butch was predeceased by the love of his life, former Rocky Hill Mayor, Dr. Barbara Orsini Surwilo, as well as his parents, Joseph and Mae Surwilo, and his brother Tony Surwilo. He leaves behind his three daughters and their families: Lisa and George Dunnery and their children Drew, Brooke, and Rachel; Stephanie and Edward Gould and Stephanie's children Mandy and Nathan May; and Dr. Robin Surwilo and her fiancé Daryl Dwyer and their children Blaise and Chase Dwyer-Surwilo. He also leaves behind his nieces Kirsten, Erica, and Carrie and their husbands, and his nephew David and his wife, as well as countless other relatives and friends. Butch has been described by friends as legendary, never showing anger and always there to help others. He will be in our hearts and minds forever for a life incredibly well lived. Although we will all miss his infectious smile, awesome sense of humor and epic kindness, we are comforted knowing that Butch is in the loving embrace of Barbara forever more. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the breast cancer research organization of your choice in their memory. A Celebration of his Life will be held at 7pm on his birthday, Wednesday, September 1st at the Brooklawn Funeral Home, 511 Brook St. Rocky Hill. Family and friends are invited for the Wake at the Funeral Home on Wednesday from 5-7pm followed immediately by the Celebration of Life at 7PM. Interment will be held privately at a later date in Center Cemetery, Rocky Hill. Friends who prefer to participate virtually can join at 6:30PM via https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84478646001. For words of sympathy to Butch's family, please visit the online guest book at www.Brooklawnfuneralhome.com
Please sign guestbook at courant.com/obituaries