Obituary of Francis Henry Butler

Francis Henry Butler, 89, of Rexford, died peace - fully Nov. 7, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Utica, NY to Hugh and Virginia (Hameline) Butler. Fran graduated from Minoa High School. Always active in sports, his claim to fame was that he played basketball with Larry Costello. Upon graduation in 1946 Fran joined the Army. He served with the occupation forces in Japan. While there, Fran had a memorable experience after successfully climbing Mt. Fugi. He was honorably discharged as a Tec4 Sergeant. Upon returning home, Fran enrolled at St. Lawrence University. Here he met his future wife, Eva Zeisner. As a junior, he joined the ROTC program. He graduated with a BA in economics. Fran and Eva were married after graduation in 1952. He worked at ALCOA in Massena for the summer, and in Sept. went to Camp Gordon in Augusta, Georgia. He was honorably discharged in Sept. 1953. Fran and Eva then settled in Fulton, NY, both going to work for Sealright Corp. Fran joined the Army Reserves in Syracuse. In 1958 He was offered and accepted a sales position with General Cable Corp. in Syracuse. The family moved to East Glenville in 1959. Fran was able to have a sales office in his home, traveling to call on customers 3-4 days a week. He sold telephone cable to the 64 independent telephone companies in New York State, plus NY Telephone. Fran joined the 89th Infantry Regiment Reserves in Schenectady. Later he became Regional Sales Manager. In 1977 he retired from the Reserves as a Lt. Colonel, having served for 23 years. In 1985 General Cable wanted him to move to New York City to handle the New York Telephone account. Having just purchased land in Charlton to build a house and in the process of building a cottage on Friends Lake, he decided to retire. Fran then started his own company “Butler Services,” doing home repairs, charging very modest fees. He really enjoyed doing this. Fran and Eva moved to Charlton in 1988, where they lived for 24 years. Fran and Eva served as co-presidents of the Charlton Seniors. In 2012 they retired to Coburg Village in Rexford. He was predeceased by his older brother, Donald Butler. Fran is survived by Eva, his wife for 64 years; four daughters, Elaine Holley (David) of Walton, NY, Carolyn Scripter ( David) of Clifton Park, Linda Albanese (Brace) of Charlton, Susan Butler (Maribeth) of Rexford; two brothers, Walter (Mary) of Baldwinsville and Henry (Mary) of E. Syracuse; two sisters, Nancy (Paul) Costello of Lanexa, VA and Suzanne Rank of Manlius; six grandchildren, Meghan Holley Scofield (Eric) of Walton, Brian Scripter (Brianna) of Brooklyn, Kyle Holley (Kendra) of Waterford, Daniel Scripter of Clifton Park, Peter Albanese (Tamara) of Selkirk, Kaita Albanese of Charlton; two great-grandchildren, Noah and Paisley Scofield of Walton. Camping trips were enjoyed every summer when the children were growing up. Fran always loved to play golf and tennis. Later on Fran and Eva took several cross-country trips, including Alaska, plus trips to Europe. Winter trips to Florida were enjoyed. But, especially, Fran always loved getting together with family, and felt very fortunate to have such a loving, cohesive family. Special thanks to the exceptional care Fran received at Ellis Hospital. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 4 Pine West Plaza, Suite 405, Albany, NY 12205 or your favorite charity. Funeral services will be held at the Glenville Funeral Home, Sat., Nov. 12 with calling hours from 10 to 12 noon, followed by a short service.