Marvin T. Eyrich

Marvin T. “Butch” Eyrich of Parkside, PA passed away Saturday, February 24, 2024, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on April 6, 1946, in Reading, PA. 

Butch graduated from Reading High School in 1964 and immediately enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served as an auto mechanic and transportation recovery specialist. He was stationed in North Dakota then deployed to Vietnam from 1967 through 1968. 

A few years later, he met the love of his life, Ruth Ann. They went on their first date February 14, 1971, and were married that same year on October 9. They were together for 53 wonderful years. 

Butch worked for Graffius Burial Vault Company for several years, then went into partnership with Lee McIlvaine Excavating. In 1991, at the encouragement and assistance from good friend Jimmy Sweeney, Butch and Ruth Ann began their family business, Butch’s Cemetery Service. He proudly ran the company until his well-earned retirement in 2015. 

He was a hard-working family man and brave soul. He was quick-witted, funny and the family jokester. Being a grave digger for so long, his motto was “I’m the last guy to let you down.”  He loved music, especially Motown, and could be heard singing throughout the house while washing dishes. He loved to attend NHRA events at Maple Grove with family and friends. He often played cards with his wife and their friends. He was a huge fan of westerns, particularly The Lone Ranger. Within a house full of Eagles fans, he loved the Kansas City Chiefs.

Butch remains the loving and caring husband of his wife Ruth Ann Eyrich, (nee Sassaman); proud and protective Dad to his daughters and sons-in-law Jessica Eyrich (Lee) and Jane Manmiller (Gene); fun-loving and silly Poppy to his grandchildren Charlotte (Kiefer), Aubrey (Taylor), Cyrus, Raina, and Shawn. Other survivors include sister Annette Mervine(Kip); brothers-in-law Buzz Sassaman and David Sassaman; sisters-in-law Sharon Zajdowicz and Sherry Sassaman; several cherished nieces and nephews; best friend since fourth grade Richie Cunnius; many loving friends including the Zuzek family, close neighbors, and the family dog, Molly. 

He is predeceased by his parents Isabel and Marvin P. Eyrich, sisters Barbara and Linda.

Services are private. If you wish to donate in Butch’s memory,please send to: garysinisefoundation.org

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