“The Music Has Always Been in Me” — Butch’s Story

In honor of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in March, WBTV News featured our oldest resident, Butch, who is outliving expectations an continuing to impress with his piano skills.

Butch was born blind, and his family was told he wouldn’t live long. By the age of four, he was already playing piano by ear. Music wasn’t just a hobby—it became a second language. His family often used music to help Butch see the world, and share his thoughts and feelings. As a teen, he was diagnosed as an autistic savant.

“I was just born with music,” Butch said. “Music became my grace.”

Today, at 83, he can still play thousands of songs from memory. Our president and CEO, Kerri Massey, who was Butch’s social worker when he moved to Holy Angels in his 50s, said it best, “His talent is so incredibly impressive. You cannot stump him. There is no song he cannot play.”

At Holy Angels, we know that providing a full life for those we serve means offering more than a comfortable home and meeting their healthcare needs—it means creating spaces for joy, creativity, connection and purpose. That’s exactly what Butch has found here.

Butch’s artwork from bliss gallery

He’s not only able to share his musical talents, but Butch is one of many residents showcasing art at Bliss Gallery—where exhibits feature local artists alongside resident art. He recently celebrated his birthday with a visit to Bliss Gallery alongside his housemates and family to view his art on display. It’s a watercolor piece painted over sheet music for “A Song With No Name,” with flowers shaped from guitar picks.

Creative arts and Bliss Gallery director Gaye Dimmick helps lead many of these enriching experiences, especially through visual art and music.

“I have the fun job,” Dimmick said. “I get to see their smiles. When residents create something, it’s work—but it’s joyful work. And it gives them a way to express themselves that connects deeply with who they are.”

That joy, that self-expression, is easy to see in Butch. Whether he’s playing for a crowd or simply sitting at the piano in his home, he reminds us that there is power in being exactly who you are.

“He’s not hanging up the piano,” Dimmick said. “He’s just continuing on being who he is. And that’s what I appreciate about all our residents—they are unapologetically themselves. Butch is a remarkable man. He knows who he is. He’s a musician. He’s a fellow who likes certain foods and certain TV shows—and he’s living his best life. Even at 83 years old.”

At Holy Angels, that’s what we’re here for: to create full lives, full of music, color, friendship and meaning—for every age, every ability and every individual who calls this place home.

When asked his secret to a long, full life, he said “the most important thing is that my life is joyful.”