(04/05/14) David Butler, 91, most recently of Pascoag, died on April 4th after a long fulfilling life. He was the beloved husband of Helen (Carter) Butler for 65 years. He was born on February 14, 1923 in Pawtucket, RI, the son of Francis H. and Hattie M. (Dexter) Butler. He grew up in Providence, graduating from Hope High School after serving in WW II.
He was proud to be a World War II Marine Corps combat veteran, having served with the 4th Marine Division, a division which received two presidential citations for action in the Pacific theater. He fought at Roi, Namur, and Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands and finally on Saipan, where he sustained combat injuries. After the war, he trained to become a toolmaker, a career that lasted until his retirement in 1987. He and Helen retired to Palm Beach Gardens, FL, returning to Rhode Island in 1995. He volunteered for many years at Overlook Nursing Home, enjoying the relationships that he made there. During this time he relocated to Pascoag to live with his daughter Sharon and son-in -law Frank, both of whom cared for him lovingly for many years until his passing.
David passed on his love of the ocean to all of his family - for years his weekends and summers were spent with them, cruising and then sailing the waters of Narragansett Bay. He enjoyed being with people and projected a positive attitude throughout his life, finding humor in many aspects of life.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his six children: Sharon Harrington of Pascoag, Audrey Monti of Ellington, CT, Donna Birt of Pawtucket, David Butler of Tampa, FL, Richard Butler of Stafford Springs, CT and James Butler of Marblehead, MA.
Grandchildren Kristin, Russell, Heather, Karen, Lisa, Jennifer, Adam, Kevin, John, Haley, Morgan and Kendall have been a constant source of pride and activity. David was predeceased by his granddaughters Kristin and Lisa.
In addition to his wife, children, grandchildren and eight great grandchildren, David is survived by his favorite sister, Hope Rothemich of Pawtucket, as well as many nieces and nephews. His brothers Ernest Arnold and Frank Butler predeceased him.
His funeral with Military honors will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. from WILLIAM W. TRIPP Funeral Home, 1008 Newport Ave., Pawtucket, followed by Services at 11 a.m. in the Historic Swan Point Chapel, 585 Blackstone Blvd., Providence. Interment will follow. VISITATION will be Tuesday 5 to 8 p.m. The family has requested in lieu of flowers that donations be sent in David’s name to either the Episcopal Conference Center, General Operations, 872 Reservoir Rd, Pascoag, RI 02859 or Overlook Nursing Home, Patient Activities Fund, 14 Rock Ave., Pascoag, RI 02859. For directions or condolences www.trippfuneralhome.com
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