Capt. William G. Butler

Capt. William G. Butler

AGE: 85 • Middletown

Captain William G. Butler, USNR (Retired), 85, of Middletown, passed away on Thursday, April 30, 2015 at Monmouth Medical Center with his wife by his side. Born in Newark, NJ on November 23, 1929 he lived in North Jersey until relocating to Red Bank in 1962, finally retiring to Middletown in 1978. He graduated high school from Seton Hall Prep and received his Bachelor's and Master's Degree from Seton Hall University. William attended U.S Naval War College in Newport, RI. He proudly served our country in the US Navy and US Naval Reserve.

Bill had a long and prosperous career on Wall Street holding several comptroller positions in many publication and financial firms. His most recent position prior to retirement was as the Human Resource Director for the U.S. Navy Resale/Naval Exchange (NAVRESSO) on Staten Island and he remained active as president of its retirement association. Bill was also an active member and ardent supporter of the Seton Hall Alumni Association.

Retirement provided numerous opportunities for Bill and his wife to travel throughout the world. Fueled by family trips across the United States, the travel bug led the couple to take several cruises to the Caribbean, followed by tours of Great Britain, Ireland, Europe, Japan, and Russia. Bill enjoyed travelling so much that he invited friends and family to join along, eventually founding a travel group known as "The Rovers." Each year his travels would take him to various reunions around the U. S. to meet up with fellow USS Meredith crew members from his active duty years in the Navy, as well NAVRESSO conventions to meet and catch up with former employees and coworkers.

Bill was predeceased by his mother Anne Thornley Butler and his brother Gerry. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 62 years, Ellen Pecci Butler. Surviving also are his two children, Bill and wife Camille Butler of Clifton Park, NY, and Ellen and husband Jeff Gillis of Seabrook,TX. Bill also leaves behind three grandchildren: Christopher Butler and his wife Kristina; Jennifer Ahern and her husband Jeffrey; and Katherine Gillis. He was the proud great-grandfather to Madison Butler and Connor Ahern. Bill is also survived by his sister, Marie Lauria, of Bedminster, NJ.

Arrangements are being handled by the John E. Day Funeral Home at 85 Riverside Avenue in Red Bank, NJ. Visitation hours are Monday May 4th from 3 PM to 7 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Saint Catharine's Church in Holmdel, NJ at 9:15 AM followed by interment at the Brig. Gen. Wm. C. Doyle Veteran's Cemetery in Arneytown, NJ at 12:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Seton Hall Preparatory School via https://www.shp.org/donatenow. Please visit William's memorial website available at www.johnedayfuneralhome.com.