WATERTOWN, NY — John B. Butler, 89, of 2027 Rainbow Lane, Lima, NY, and formerly of S. Hamilton St., Watertown, died July 1, 2021, at his daughter’s home in Lima, NY.
Born Aug. 28, 1931, in Plattsburgh, NY, a son of John B. and Hilda Farrell Butler, he graduated in 1949 from Immaculate Heart Academy, received his bachelor’s of arts degree in journalism from Butler University and master’s from New York University. He joined the Unites States Army October 1953 and served until his honorable discharge in 1955.
Mr. Butler married Janet E. Neals on Aug. 27, 1960, at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church in Bayside, NY.
Mr. Butler was an English teacher at Watertown High School, retiring in 1991.
He was a communicant of Holy Family Church where he was a lay minister and was on the Board of Education for Holy Family School. He was a lifetime member of American Legion Post #61, a financial secretary for the Order of Hibernians Society, and former president of Case Jr. Facility Club. He enjoyed movie watching and was an avid book reader. They traveled extensively, making a trip to Ireland.
Surviving besides his wife are his daughters, Susan (Thomas) Gaiter, Lima, NY, Anne Siegl, (Steve) Victor, NY, son, Stephen (Carrie) Spencerport, NY and brother, Joseph M., Watertown, three grandchildren, two great grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by two sisters, Patricia Bourcy and Ellen Walsh, two brothers, Rev. Peter and Thomas, and a grandson Ryan Merritt.
Calling hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 6, at D. L. Calarco Funeral Home, Inc. A prayer service will be 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, July 7, at the funeral home at followed by a funeral Mass at Holy Family Church at 11 a.m. with Rev. Arthur Labaff and Deacon Jim Gillan officiating. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery.
Contributions made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or Livingston County Hospice.
Online condolences may be made to dlcalarco.com.