Robert F. “Bob” Butler – 82 – of 6692 Laine Rd., Hornell, died early Saturday morning (May 22, 2021) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on February 17, 1939, he was the son of Forbes & June (Dillon) Butler and was raised by his “Mom”, Carolyn Meeks.

Bob resided in many locations during his childhood and actually attend 37 different schools throughout the United States.  He graduated from Andover Central School (class of 1959).

Following high school graduation, Bob enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving his country from 1959 – 1961.  While in the Air Force, he was stationed in Japan for 18 months.

After being honorably discharged from the military, Bob was employed at the former Erie Railroad for about 2 years and later worked as a machinist for Worthington Corporation in Wellsville.  For many years he was employed as a lineman for Bell Telephone, New York Telephone and Verizon, retiring in 1999.

In his younger years, Bob was involved in Boy Scouts of America and served as a scoutmaster for three years.  He was an avid golfer and cherished the time spent with his buddies playing on area golf courses.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Troy Daniel Butler (died 1978); 2 brothers, Clinton Butler and Michael Robinson; 1 sister, Cathy Halsey Hicks; his grandson, Christopher Kettner.

Bob was married on February 4, 1961 to the former Lorretta Grossman who survives.  Also surviving are his son, Mark (Bev) Butler of Hornell; 2 daughters, Tami (Lance) Carpenter of Hornell and Shawn (Rus) Kettner of Oshkosh, WI; 1 sister, Brenda Fitzwater of Mary Ester, FL; his grandchildren, Quade (Bailey) Butler, Quin (Emily) Butler, Dylan (Elija) Carpenter, Bronte (Dylynn) Carpenter, Raven (Ricky) Carpenter, Hannah Kettner, Eli Kettner, Noah Kettner, Kasandra (Rich) Updyke and  Britney (Adam) Updyke; his great-grandchildren, Brynn Hunt, Braylee Hunt, Lennox Kohler, Addy Butler, Amelia Butler, Lakyn Schroeder, Ivar Sorensen, Faye Sorensen and soon to arrive, Nova Carpenter; several nieces & nephews.

At Bob’s request there will be no prior calling hours.  A “Celebration of Life” will be held on a date and time to be announced.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. 

Bob’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN   38105.