Unforgotten BHS ' 74 Graduate

1956 - 2024

Joseph Patrick Colligan  

Joe was born in Butler and graduated from  Butler High School in 1974. He so much wanted to attend his 50th class reunion this fall.

While growing up, Joe always dreamed of being on stage, he often kept his family and friends laughing at his original skits, jokes and imitations. In his high school years, he landed on the stages of Butler High School, where he shined in "Barefoot in the Park," "1776," as Charlie in "Flowers for Algernon" and Pellinore in "Camelot.". 

Michele Pawk ~ Butler Actress ~ Knock HS '80

In 1992 Michele appeared Crazy for You, 1994 in Merrily We Roll Along, 1996 in Chicago, 1998 in Cabaret - and an original musical, Seussical in 2000.

Joan Chandler ~ Actress ~ BHS '40

† 1979
The actress Joan [Cheeseman] Chandler was born 24 August 1923 in Butler, Pennsylvania. Lived on McKean Street across from the library. She starred in such movies as Alfred Hitchcock's Rope (1948) and Humoresque (1946).

Butler's Born Actor ~ Frederick West McCarren ~ BHS '69

✝ 2006

Fred McCarren was one of the brightest stars on Butler High School's stage. We remember him in My Fair Lady, Once Upon a Mattress, Little Me and other excellent productions.
Thank you, Fred, for your unforgettable stage presence and the delight you gave us.

We fell for you!

Butler's Television Star ~ Josie Carey

† 2004
One of Butler's stars in the world of television was Josie Carey. Some Butlerites still know her as Josephine Vicari. She hosted WQED's long running Children's Corner and her name was immortalized for millions of children as that of Fred Rogers' puppet, Daniel Striped Tiger. She wrote lyrics for 68 songs for her show. Butler and Pittsburg cannot forget Josie Carey.