Obituary of William Ralph Sevila

Born William Ralph Sevila on New Year’s Eve in 1967, he was dubbed “Butch” as a baby by his proud parents, Cathie and Ward Sevila. He was a beloved son, revered big brother to Jeff, and a great friend to many neighbors and classmates in the Herndon community where he grew up. With his infectious smile, no one had more friends at Herndon High School than Butch. His upbringing established a foundation for strong, loving family values and dedication to the community.

After graduating Herndon High School in the class of 1986, Butch went on to James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia where he made his mark at every turn. Excelling in classes and adding to the strong network of close friends that he had built throughout his life, everyone knew Butch as both the life of the party, and someone you could always count on being there to support those in need. The most important connection he made at JMU was without a doubt his beloved Monica Cleary. They met on the first day of class during his final semester in the spring of 1990 and their connection was immediate. Monica was the great love of his life, and after his graduation in May he would come back to Harrisonburg to visit her. Not the types to waste time, they knew they were meant to be together and were married November 28, 1992. Great partners in all things, they settled in Sterling then moved to Great Falls in 2001 building a great life with wonderful friends and family nearby.

With his dedication to hard work and infectious personality, Butch was an instant success as a financial advisor. In 2001, he partnered with Ken Coan forming a successful business and lifelong friendship. Over his 28 year career, Butch served his clients with the same dedication and care that he applied to all other aspects of his life.

Butch’s greatest legacy lives on through his children, Jane (22), Will (20) and Michael (18). As the eldest and only daughter, Jane continues to make him proud every single day. He loved watching her grow into the strong, intelligent, and independent woman that she has become. Like Butch, Jane has a great love and devotion to her friends which is evident in the way she lives her life. Jane is a friend to everyone she meets, and selfless in helping those she loves. Butch’s legacy is further embodied in his namesake Will who shares so much more than a name. Just as Butch was a recognized figure around Herndon and Great Falls, Will was instantly recognizable as Butch’s son. They share everything from celebrating a Redskins or Nationals win to riding the winding back roads of Virginia on a motorcycle, but what they share the most is their love and commitment to family. No matter how distant or inconvenient, Will seizes every opportunity to connect with the family he loves so much. Michael, the youngest, may have been Butch’s greatest pride. So much of Butch can be seen in Michael, especially when it comes to his commitment to the community. Both Michael and Butch served as leadership in the Great Falls Rotary Club, built homes for the needy through Habitat for Humanity, and founded the Cars for the Cure drive to end diabetes, which has raised over $300,000 for JDRF in the last 6 years. The model for selflessness and giving back was one that Butch instilled in all of his kids and everyone he met, and Michael’s actions embody his father at every turn.

Not only a great dad, Uncle Butch as he is known to nine nieces and nephews made all family outings fun and, of course, active. Never one to sit around, Butch would be the first to build a sand castle, organize a wiffle ball tournament and then close the night playing the guitar and organizing a sing-a-long. Butch was always there to support all his nieces and nephews activities, even coming up with creative cheers to encourage them in whatever sport they were playing. His creative talents never went to waste as he would also create new bedtime songs on the spot whenever he got the chance to put them to bed.

Butch’s endless energy and desire to give back led him to be involved in numerous charitable and community activities. Most notably, Butch was a Board member of the Capital Area JDRF and on the Board of the Great Falls Rotary Club. He coached baseball and basketball in Great Falls for several decades, always encouraging kids to do their best and enjoy playing the game.

Butch had many passions. He was a lifelong Redskins fan and rabid Nationals fan. Not just a spectator, Butch enjoyed playing basketball with his buddies. He loved music and art and played his guitar at many events. Without a doubt, Butch’s favorite place to be was at the beach preferably on a surf board. He was probably best known known for his love of classic cars – particularly Chevys.

A Renaissance man, Butch touched more lives in his 50 years than most people do in multiple lifetimes. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on in all the people who called him friend, colleague, coach, uncle, brother, son, father and husband. We all wish we could have had him with us longer but his love of life and love for his family and friends will forever be with us.

In lieu of flowers the family would request honoring Butch’s memory by making donations to fight Type 1 diabetes through the foundation he and Michael founded www.carsforthecureusa.com.