Tony Butala, the last surviving founding member of the celebrated vocal group The Lettermen, has died at the age of 87. The news of his passing was shared on the group's official Facebook page, and it has since been reported by various media outlets including Parade.

Born on November 20, 1938, in Sharon, Pennsylvania, Butala displayed a remarkable talent for music from a young age. He began singing at just seven years old and quickly gained recognition on KDKA Radio in Pittsburgh by the age of eight. His family's move to Hollywood opened new opportunities, allowing him to join the Robert Mitchell Boys Choir, which further shaped his musical journey.

Before co-founding The Lettermen, Butala made his mark in the entertainment industry with a role in the classic Disney film "Peter Pan," where he provided the singing voice for one of the Lost Boys. He also appeared in iconic films such as "White Christmas" and "War of the Worlds," solidifying his place in cinematic history.

In the late 1950s, Butala teamed up with Bob Engemann and Jim Pike to form The Lettermen, a trio renowned for their rich harmonies. Their breakthrough came in 1961 with the hit "The Way You Look Tonight," followed by the classic "When I Fall in Love" in 1962. The group received four Grammy nominations throughout their career, and their medley of "Goin' Out of My Head" and "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" earned them significant acclaim in 1968. The Lettermen also made a lasting impression with their rendition of "Hurt So Bad."

Over the years, The Lettermen achieved considerable success, amassing 11 gold records and over 30 albums that charted on the Billboard rankings. Butala stepped back from performing in May 2019 but occasionally rejoined the group for special appearances. The Lettermen have continued to perform, celebrating over 65 years of musical legacy.

In a heartfelt statement following Butala's death, The Lettermen paid tribute to his contributions, stating, "The Lettermen of the present and future will always stand on the principles that guided Tony in its inception. Through this legacy, The Lettermen are still performing today, 65 years later." Butala's impact on the group and the music industry at large will be remembered fondly by fans and fellow musicians alike, as his spirit continues to resonate in every Lettermen performance.