As Disability Awareness Month unfolds, an 83-year-old resident of Holy Angels in Gaston County is defying expectations and inspiring the community with his extraordinary piano skills.
“You cannot stump him. There is no song that he cannot play,” said Holy Angels President and CEO Kerri Massey.
Butch Ziegler was born blind and later diagnosed with autism during his teenage years. In his 50s, he moved into Holy Angels, a facility dedicated to serving individuals with disabilities since its founding in 1955. Originally established to care for infants, the organization expanded as residents lived longer than doctors had predicted, evolving into a comprehensive support system for individuals of all ages.
As of March 2025, Holy Angels provides care for 81 residents, ranging from toddlers to the elderly.
Despite his challenges, Ziegler discovered his passion for music early, beginning his journey with the piano at just four years old. Over the decades, he has memorized and mastered thousands of songs. Now, at 83, his musical abilities continue to flourish, nurtured by the support of Holy Angels.
“I was just born with music,” Ziegler shared. “Music became my grace.”
Massey, who first worked with Ziegler as his social worker, remains in awe of his abilities. “His talent is so incredibly impressive,” she said. “We’re serving individuals who have tracheostomies, G-tubes, and a multitude of complex diagnoses that would be difficult to manage under one roof.”
Holy Angels stands apart as the only facility in North Carolina that provides medical care directly to residents, minimizing hospital visits and ensuring continuity in their treatment. However, the organization recognizes that healthcare alone is not enough—residents also need purpose and fulfillment.
“The continuity of care is crucial in ensuring that the people we serve live long, meaningful lives,” Massey emphasized.
To foster a sense of purpose, Holy Angels established resident-driven businesses, including a cotton candy factory, a cafe, and the Bliss Art Gallery in downtown Belmont. These enterprises provide meaningful employment opportunities, allowing residents to engage with the broader community.
“There’s no dignity without risk,” Massey noted. “Starting businesses was a risk, but look at the dignity it has provided. The individuals we serve now have a quality of life that many people don’t.”
By integrating residents into community life, Holy Angels encourages mutual understanding and appreciation. “It’s about learning from one another,” Massey explained. “Residents become part of the community, and the community learns from them.”
Gaye Dimmick, Creative Arts & Bliss Gallery Director, oversees the artistic programs at Holy Angels, helping residents like Ziegler showcase their talents.
“The gallery is an outreach to the community, showing who Holy Angels is,” Dimmick said. “Our residents have the same desire to express themselves as anyone else.”
Dimmick finds joy in witnessing the impact of creative expression on the residents. “I get to see their smiles,” she shared. “Unlike other forms of therapy, which may feel like hard work, creative arts bring joy and fulfillment.”
At the Bliss Gallery, residents’ talents are on full display, whether through visual art or music. Ziegler’s piano playing continues to astonish those around him, proving that age and disability do not define one’s potential.
“He’s not putting the piano away; he’s continuing to be who he is,” Dimmick said. “And that’s what I admire about the residents of Holy Angels—they are unapologetically themselves.”
Ziegler, in particular, stands out for his unwavering sense of self. “Butch knows who he is,” Dimmick added. “He’s a musician. He enjoys his favorite foods and TV shows. At 83, he’s still living his best life.”
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