Robert James "Butch" Butler

Robert James Butler, affectionately known as “Butch,” was born in Carlisle, PA, son of the late Robert and Dorothy Byers-Butler. Butch attended schools in both Cumberland County and Harrisburg, PA. While Butch played football at Edison Jr. High, he met and married his forever cheerleader and sweetheart, Cynthia Rucker. They would fall in love, get married and begin a family at an early age. This union lasted almost sixty years. Butch was an excellent provider and worked hard on his first job for the Pennsylvania Railroad. As his brothers and cousins were joining the military, Butch went to work on the railroad with his father and learned to be a man. One of his favorite quotes from his Dad was, “Anyone can make a baby, but not everyone is man enough to take care of it.” That’s exactly what he did from that day on; he took care of his family very well. The railroad position eventually led to him becoming a Supervisor and Superintendent, moving his family from Harrisburg to Sunbury (up the Susquehanna River) and into New Jersey, where many close friendships were made and are still maintained to this day. Not only was Butch a hard worker, but he also mentored some in the family and would assist them also with starting railroad careers. Butch was an entrepreneur, co-owning a gas station and owning two local bars over the years. One of his goals was to create a business that would employ and help his immediate family members. He would go on to retire from Amtrak, and he held several positions with the Local Laborers #1180 Union and PP & G. Apart from his working career, Butch was an avid hunter, fisher and an accomplished biker. If you knew Butch, you knew that this time of year he would be hunting in Breezewood with his sons, cousins, nephews and grandsons. He even taught his oldest daughter how to hunt; until she wouldn’t be quiet enough in the woods. Butch thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors from hunting to deep sea fishing trips, to family camping and fishing trips all up and down the East and West Coasts and into Canada. He taught his kids how to respect sports whether it was learning how to shoot, motorcycle safety, snow mobiles or four-wheelers. He made them take classes for the different licenses before engaging in the different activities. Butch was so good with the sports that he was featured several times in the PA Game News and local newspapers as he won several contests for the size of his catches…whether from a fishing rod, a rifle or even a cross bow. Butch lived a life where he knew no strangers and always tried to help others. If he liked you, he loved you; and if he didn’t, he would often tell you and why. He wanted the best for others and appreciated diligent workers who worked hard for what they wanted. He didn’t like laziness or excuses. He told stories of how he walked for miles as a kid and appreciated what his parents provided. He taught his children to have good penmanship, how to be honest, respectful, how to cook, how to drive, hunt, fish, play cards and have a good time. He even took his baby girl to see her favorite, Michael Jackson in concert. In his later life, Butch made many personal changes and realized he had a spiritual need. He surrounded himself with his family and whether it was a cruise, a sporting event, listening to Aaron Neville or simply playing cards, he was usually the life of the party. He loved spending time with his family and will be especially missed by his partner in crime. The grandkids called him “Dad” because that’s what he was – Dad. Our Butch was a husband, father, Dad, grandpop, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. He enjoyed life and wanted to live as long as possible. Unfortunately, his illnesses took a toll on his mind and body for the past several years. We are more than grateful for the time we’ve had together. On Sunday morning, November 20th, 2022, Butch fell asleep in death surrounded by his loving family. He is predeceased by his parents, Robert and Dorothy Butler, and grandson, David Butler Jr. He leaves to mourn his fond memories: devoted wife, Cynthia (Rucker) Butler; children, Robert J. Butler III, David Butler Sr., both of Harrisburg, PA, Anita (Norman) Daye of Virginia Beach, VA, and Susan (Hank) Butler-Davis of Philadelphia, PA.; daughter of the heart, Maureen Gunther of Harrisburg; twelve grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and six bonus great-grandchildren in Virginia Beach, VA. His memory will also be cherished by his brothers, William Smith of Winston Salem, NC., George (Sam) Butler of Altoona, PA, Frank (Angie) Butler of Harrisburg; sisters, Sara Jean Johnson of Chambersburg, PA, Clara (Becky) Barber, Bessie (Claude) Phipps and Shirley Thorpe, all of Harrisburg; and a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends too numerous to name. We eagerly look forward to when we will see Butch again, resurrected to a paradise earth with no more pain, sickness or death and the opportunity to live with him on earth forever. (Rev 21:3, 4 and Psalm 37:29) FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CLICK ON THE SHARE A MEMORY TAB TO POST VIDEOS, SHARE MEMORIES, CONDOLENCES, REFLECTIONS OR SIMPLY LEAVE YOUR NAME.

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Robert James "Butch" Butler

October 9, 1946 - November 20, 2022