Adam Peter Vermeire of Newport News, known to most as “Butch,” passed away on Monday, March 28, 2016, after a brief illness. He was 73. As strong as he was, it was time for him to rest.

Butch was born on July 16, 1942 in Baltimore, Md. He was the loving son of Katherine Malkus Vermeire and John Joseph Vermeire Jr., who both preceded him in death. His biological father, Adam Peter Steyer Sr., had died when he was just four years old. Butch was also preceded in death by his sister, Carole Vermeire Lauber. 

He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 51 years, Susan Vermeire of Newport News; two very lucky daughters, Vicki Vermeire of Gloucester and Sherri Vermeire Schenkelberg and her husband Kraig of Yorktown, and his grandchildren, Trip, Jason, Hanna, Nicklaus and Karsten, who knew him as the best Poppy in the world. He is also survived by his sister, Terry Vermeire Snead; two brothers, John Joseph Vermeire III and his wife Jean, and Glenn Vermeire and his wife Tina, as well as several nieces and nephews; a god-son, and countless friends, many of whom were like family to him. He also will be dearly missed by his loyal canine companion, Peanut.

Butch began a lifelong career in construction at the age of 17. When he was 56, he retired as a partner from Excell Erection Inc., a family owned construction business, and moved on to Hampton Sheet Metal in Newport News where he was a shop foreman. He continued to work there in various capacities for almost 18 years, right up to the time of his death.

In his free time, Butch enjoyed golf, riding his motorcycle, building and flying model airplanes, and tinkering in his garage. Perhaps his favorite pastime, though, was spending time with his grandchildren and spoiling them rotten. 

Butch will be remembered for the love, generosity and commitment he showed his family, his remarkable work ethic, his attention to detail, his quick wit and unique sense of humor, his love of Pepsi and potato chips, and of course, his total devotion to his wife Sue in the more than half century they spent as husband and wife. 

The family will celebrate Butch’s life on Saturday, April 16, 2016, with a service at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Yorktown, Va., beginning at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Butch’s memory to the American Cancer Society or St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. 

Amory Funeral Home in Yorktown is in charge of final arrangements.