Phillip A Butcher

Phillip Andrew Butcher of Middletown (Red Bank) passed peacefully on October 26th, 2025.

Phil was born in Ypsilanti, MI on December 1st, 1946. His parents were Roger and Atta Pearl Butcher. He grew up on a vegetable farm and worked hard through his formative years. He had a horse named Ginger, and he enjoyed whistling to horses along roadsides and watching them dutifully raise their heads.

Phil was named Most Likely to Succeed in High School, which does not surprise his children. He continued his education at Eastern Michigan University for his Bachelor of Arts in English Literature. He later went back, after the war, to achieve his Masters in English.

Phil was in the ROTC before joining the Army in 1969. He was at Fort Knox then Fort Carson. He was a Second Lieutenant and served as Statistics Officer and speech writer for the General. Later he became a Junior Aid for Commanding General Bernard Rogers, who went on to become Commander of NATO. He twice-volunteered to go to (then stay in) Vietnam. He started as a Platoon Leader in the 11th Armored Cavalry. The Blackhorse was the best unit in Vietnam, according to Phil. He rose to Captain as an Operations and Intelligence Officer, and served a total of seventeen months in Vietnam before his discharge in 1972. He was awarded a Bronze Star for his service.

Phil worked for McGraw-Hill for more than 35 years. He started as a Sales Rep Field Manager in Columbus, OH, where he would ultimately meet the love of his life, Donna Prior. They moved to St. Louis, where he became an Editor in Chief, then to Red Bank when Phil was promoted to Publisher of college textbooks in New York City. He made many lasting relationships with friends at McGraw-Hill.

Phil was an avid fisherman and found much beauty in a quiet morning on a lake or river in his Ranger bass boat. He had a passion for playing guitar and attended regular guitar meetups at Maloney's (Matawan) on Wednesday nights. He loved music and had a wonderful singing voice. Joni Mitchell was his absolute favorite. Phil enjoyed reading; loving history, politics, and religion. He truly cherished his many friendships.

Phil married Donna in 1975. They lived a wonderful life together, raising their children, attending live theater, and enjoying fine dining with friends. Phil and Donna loved to travel around the world together. They just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in September.

Phil adored his children, Kristen (Darryl) and Todd (Lindsey), who were his greatest pride and joy. This extended to grandchildren Hadley (12), Maxwell (11), Hudson (9) and Dylan (8); each of whom brought endless happiness into his life.

Phil is survived by his loving wife Donna, his children, grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and sister Betty (Pete). He was predeceased by his father and mother, sister Nancy (Gary), brothers Bill and Kenneth (Mary Jo).

The family will receive friends on Thursday, November 13th at John E Day Funeral Home 85 Riverside Avenue, Red Bank, NJ 07701, from 4 PM until 8 PM.

A Memorial Service will take place at 11am on Friday, November 14th at the United Methodist Church of Red Bank, 247 Broad Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701

In lieu of, or addition to flowers and plants, donations may be made to the following organizations in Phil's honor:

Wounded Warrior Project - https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) - https://action.aclu.org/give/make-gift-aclu-someones-memory