Stephen Roy Butler

He was raised with 3 older brothers: Howard, Albert and Dave and a younger sister, Mary. The fact that Steve’s dad had only 3% sight had a great impact on his growing up. He was very close to his father. He worked with him on the farm in Otego. Steve would help his father gather sap from trees all around the farm. This was done with an ox bow and buckets that his dad carried on his shoulders. He would walk through the snow going from tree to tree emptying the sap. It would then be brought back to the house and cooked for many hours in order to make maple syrup. Steve loved doing this as an adult.

One story Steve told was about reading manuals for farm implements or gardening to his dad before he became a first grader. So when he got into the first grade, his reading level was far beyond his classmates because of his experience of reading at home

Both Steve’s mother and father worked at what is now known as Amphenol in Sidney, NY. His father had to take simple jobs but he tackled each job with gusto. The family did not have much money so brother Dave, sister Mary and Steve had to be independent and took care of the house and meals while their parents were at work.

At Otego Central School, Steve played football in high school. He was a member of Future Farmers of America (FFA) and the Rifle Club. In his spare time he liked to fish and hunt. His memorable achievements included being elected as Vice President of his Senior Class, and winning awards for football. Steve’s favorite teacher was Mr. Jim Sears who taught Biology and Chemistry. He was proud of his role in organizing the Annual School Fair as a member of the FFA. He graduated from Otego Central School in 1960.

He joined the Navy in 1960. He was a Navy and Marine Corps veteran and was trained as a Basic Hospital Corpsman. He also had Cardiopulmonary Training and Field Medical Training. Steve was assigned to serve in Camp Lejeune, N.C. in the 2nd Marine Division and at St. Albans, Hospital in New York City. He was in military service from 1961 to 1965. His training as a respiratory therapist served him well in the years after his discharge

Following his honorable discharge, Stephen worked at Albany Medical Center and was instrumental in setting up a school for the training of the use of respiratory equipment. He then moved his family to Buffalo and began working at Green and Kellogg where he traveled throughout New York State introducing new respiratory equipment to hospitals and servicing the equipment.

Stephen was blessed with four children. He had two sons: Vern and Brian, and two daughters: Lori and Christina. Stephen was also blessed with eleven grandchildren, Jeremiah, Emily, Ben, Andrew, Brian, Chelsea, Madison, Alicia, Michael Jr., Thomas, Jessica,

After several years in Buffalo, he and his family returned to Otego. Unable to pursue a career in the field of respiratory therapy, Stephen found a job at Amphenol as a CNC operator. Throughout his 33 years at Amphenol, Stephen received many awards for years of service. He was a diligent worker who had only the highest standards for himself.

On August 20, 2005 Stephen exchanged wedding vows with Mary Elizabeth Gillingham at the Otego United Methodist Church of Otego, New York. Through this marriage, he gained two step-children Michael Johnson and Sheri-Nouane Duncan-Jones and a step-grandson, Michael Schipani who he treated as his own

Stephen had many camping experiences when he was young. The plant where his mother and father worked would close down the first 2 weeks of July. So they would join many friends at a simple camp at Old Forge, NY. Later, when Stephen’s children were growing up they enjoyed camping. They would often travel to Florida and Key West.

After Stephen and Mary were married, they loved camping and using their double kayak. They would also take an annual vacation to visit his, step-daughter Sheri-Nouane and her family wherever she was working for the State Department. So over the years, they were able to travel to Laos, Bangladesh, Mozambique, Kruger National Park in South Africa, Ethiopia and Australia.

Stephen loved to fix computers and using the latest technology. He enjoyed learning how to use his Ham Radio. He was a natural teacher and he enjoyed helping grandchildren fix their cars or other equipment. Two of his favorite things to do were hunting and being in the woods. He was an avid reader and had great interest in the Civil War. He loved to have the phone ring and one of the grandchildren would say, “Grandpa I have a question.” His reply: “I have an answer.”

Earlier in life, he belonged to a Gold Panning Club, played golf and went bowling. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events on TV whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were the Patriots football team. He also enjoyed watching professional golf and professional tennis.

After he returned to Otego, Stephen served as a member of the Otego Fire Department. Throughout his later years, Stephen was an active member of the Harris Memorial Library in Otego (where he served as President of the Board of Trustees for several years), Otego’s Upper Susquehanna Archaeological Museum, the Otego Historical Association, and Oneonta Amateur Radio Club. He also had been very active in the American Legion Chapter #259 in Oneonta and served as Commander. He also felt a need to serve his community by being Chairperson of the Otego Town Planning Board for several years.

He was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. Two of Stephen’s favorites, were Mollie and Megan, his miniature French poodles. They were a very important part of his life. He got them when they were puppies and had Megan for 8 years and Mollie for 12 years. In June of 2015, Steve found "Tobias" a 3 year old shiah tsu on Craig's List. Tobias was adopted and he and Steve became the best of friends for the last few months of Steve’s life.

After retirement, Stephen enjoyed his life at home in Otego. Steve loved working on his property. He cleared a lot of land and had envisioned a very small golf course in the back of the house. He fussed over his grape arbor and spent many hours creating a pond on the hill in back of his property. The sight of him on his riding mower was heart touching, because he loved seeing more and more of his property being reclaimed for a beautiful lawn. He became active in Oneonta’s Ham Radio Club., He was happy to have more time to help his grandchildren in their projects. He enjoyed summer camping and kayaking.

Steve passed away on October 18, 2015 at his home in Otego surrounded by his family. Steve fought a brave battle against leukemia for several years. He is survived by his wife, Mary; his children Vern, Brian, Lori and Christina, his brothers Howard, Al, Dave and his sister Mary; and his grandchildren Jeremiah, Emily, Ben, Andrew, Alicia, Brian, Chelsea, Madison, Michael Jr., Jessica, Thomas and Michael Schipani. Services were held at the Bookhout Funeral Home in Oneonta, New York. Stephen's body was donated to Upstate Medical University in Syracuse according to his wishes. Eventually his remains will be laid to rest in Evergreen Cemetery in Otego.

All who knew him would agree that Stephen was a pillar of the community. He often quietly donated computers and/or printers to local organizations, not wanting any notoriety It is so rewarding to know that the imprint that Stephen Roy Butler made on his community was appreciated. He touched many lives and will be missed by all who were fortunate to have known him.

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Stephen Roy Butler, 74, of Otego passed away Sunday, October 18, 2015 at home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born January 17, 1941 in Delhi, the son of the late Howard Roy and Esther Mabel (Shaw) Butler.

Stephen proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1960 to 1965. While in the Navy he became a medical corpsman and was trained as a respiratory therapist. He served at several posts including St. Albans VA Medical Center in New York City. Following his honorable discharge, Stephen worked at Albany Medical Center and was instrumental in setting up a school for the training of the use of respiratory equipment. Stephen then moved his family to Buffalo and began working at Green and Kellogg where he traveled throughout New York State introducing new respiratory equipment to hospitals and servicing the equipment. After several years in Buffalo, he and his family returned to Otego. He then began his 33 year career at Amphenol as a CNC Operator and retired in 2008.

On August 20, 2005, Stephen married Mary Gillingham Johnson in Otego.

He was an avid reader, sometimes reading three books a week. But he also had a love for the outdoors - especially hunting. He also loved to travel. He was very fortunate to get to travel to several countries visiting family with Mary. But his greatest joy was spending time with his family especially his grandchildren.

Stephen was a past Commander and member of the Oneonta American Legion Post 259, the Otego Historical Society, The Upper Susquehanna Archeological Society of Otego, the Old Boys Club, the Ham Radio Club and was a former member of the Otego Fire Department. He was also President of the Board of Trustees for the Harris Memorial Library in Otego and Chairman of the Town of Otego Planning Board.

Stephen is survived by his wife, Mary Johnson-Butler of Otego; six children, Vernon and Julie Butler of Thompson, CT, Lori and Al Beckemeyer of Oneonta, Brian Butler of Norfolk, MA, Christina and Michael Simonds of Otego, Sheri-Nouane and Peter Duncan-Jones of Phnom Penh, Cambodia and Michael and Tiphani Johnson of San Francisco, CA; 12 grandchildren, Emily, Jeremiah, Ben, Andrew, Brian, Chelsea, Madison, Alicia, Michael, Jr, Jessica (Dylan), Thomas and Michael Schipani; three brothers, Howard, Albert and Dave Butler; one sister, Mary Hoffmans; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by a sister-in-law, Gail Butler.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, October 23, 2015 in the Bookhout Funeral Home, 357 Main Street, Oneonta from 1:00 to 3:00pm. A Service to Celebrate the Life of Stephen will immediately follow at 3:00pm with the Reverend Brandilynne Craver, Pastor of the Otego United Methodist Church, officiating. Memorial donations in Stephen’s memory may be made to either the Otego Emergency Squad, River Street, Otego, New York 13825 or to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, PO Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202.

To light a candle or send an online condolence please visit www.bookhoutufuneralhome.com

Funeral arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home of Oneonta.