REV. ROBERT J. BUTLER

1936 - 2024

BUTLER, Rev. Robert J. Age 88, of Boston, on October 21, 2024, in Boston. Son of the late Matthew and Katherine (Morrison) Butler. Brother of the late Charles Butler, Matthew Butler, Mary Mullaney and Rev. Richard J. Butler. Uncle, great-uncle and great-granduncle to many nieces and nephews who will always remember his boundless kindness, great sense of fun, Mass in the backyard, skiing, sailing, running road races, playing games, telling jokes and deep unwavering faith. He lived by his own advice, "know God, know God loves you and share that love with others." Father Butler was born in Boston with his twin brother, Rev. Richard J. Butler, on May 8, 1936. He attended Boston Latin School and later St. John's Seminary. He was ordained with his twin brother on February 2, 1962, at Holy Cross Cathedral by Cardinal Cushing. He offered his first Mass on February 4, 1962, at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Belmont. Father Butler's assignments have included St. Mary of the Nativity, Scituate (1962-1964), Chaplain, Trinity Academy, Watertown (1964), St. Philip, South End of Boston (1964-1966), St. Patrick, Stoneham (1966-1969), Graduate study, Boston College School of Social Work, Sacred Heart, Newton Centre (1969-1971, in-residence), Staff, Family Counseling Services at the North Shore office (1969-1971), St. Athanasius, Reading (1971-1985, in-residence), Immaculate Conception, Salem (1985-1986, in-residence), St. Mary Parish in Hull (May 13, 1986, pastor) and St. Joseph Parish in Pepperell (January 5, 1993, pastor). Fr. Butler was granted senior priest/retirement status on June 1, 2006. Thereafter, he began serving at St. Agatha Parish in Milton. After St. Agatha's, Father Butler began living at Regina Cleri. He celebrated his golden jubilee in February 2012 with his twin brother at St. John Chrysostom Church in West Roxbury. The family would like to express deep thanks for the loving care from the Regina Cleri staff. A concelebrated Funeral Mass will be held at Saint Joseph Church, 68 William Cardinal O'Connell Way, Boston, on Tuesday, October 29, at 11:00 AM. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Fr. Butler will lie in state at St. Joseph Church prior to the Mass from 9:30-10:30 AM. Interment in Fairview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Clergy Trust, 66 Brooks Drive, Braintree, MA. To leave the Butler family a condolence message, please visit www.dolanfuneral.com