Obituaries

Obituary: Former City Councilor John Butler, 75, of Salem

The obituary for John J. Butler, 75, of Salem.

Former City of Salem City Councilor John Joseph Butler, 75, of Salem died peacefully Wednesday morning, June 4, 2014. He was the husband of the late Patricia Ann Butler.

Born in Salem, he is the son of the late Thomas and Anna Butler. He is the youngest of nine children; M. Louise Butler (deceased), Kathleen Sodders, Patricia Femino (deceased), Rosemary Mroz, Ann Ryan, Janice Hyam, Thomas Butler and Paul Butler.

Mr. Butler was educated at St. James School and graduated from Salem High School with the class of 1956. He and his wife married soon after graduation and began their family. Mr. Butler attended Franklin Technical School in the evening receiving an Associate’s Degree in Engineering.

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Early in his career, Mr. Butler worked for the United Shoe, New England Telephone, Sylvania and Raytheon. He also served many years on the Salem City Council. In the 1970’s, he started work at the MBTA as a mechanical engineer and after a long career he later retired.

In retirement, Mr. Butler enjoyed traveling, volunteering with his church and spending time with his grandchildren.

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John Butler is survived by three sons, John J. “Sean” and his wife, Debbie Butler of Chesapeake, VA, Peter S. and his wife, Mary Kate Butler of Wakefield, and Christopher J. and his wife Lisa Butler, of Wakefield; nine grandchildren, Katherine, John J. III, Nicholas, Patrick, Anna, Brett Colin, Emma, Hannah and Clara; and many nieces and nephews.

His funeral will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2014 at 8:15 AM from the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St, corner of North St, Salem, to be followed by a Funeral Mass at 9:00 AM in St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 260 North St. Salem. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be on Friday from 4:00- 8:00 PM. Interment will be in Greenlawn, Salem. For those who wish, donations can be made in his memory to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, c/o St. James Church, 156 Federal St., Salem, MA 01970. For online guest book or additional information please call 978 744 0497 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com


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