Thomas J. Butera

SMS Thomas John Butera

Born in Providence, Thomas was the son of the late John and Josephine (Maione) Butera. He was the beloved husband of Bernice Butera for 66 amazing years. He was the proud father of Thomas (wife Nancy), Shannon Conti (husband Crescenzo), Donald (wife Carol), David (wife Marie), and Kevin (companion Shannon). He was also the grandfather to seven grandchildren, and great-grandfather to thirteen great-grandchildren. He was the brother of Anne Aiello, also of Smithfield.

Tom grew up in North Providence and was a graduate of LaSalle Academy. He then married and moved to Smithfield where he and Bernice raised five children. Tom became very active in the Smithfield Little League, coaching for many years. Tom loved to watch sports, especially when his children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren were involved where he became their Number One Fan. His favorite teams included the NY Yankees and PC Friars.

Tom began his career by joining the RI National Guard at Hillsgrove Airport in Warwick. Throughout his 38 years of service, he worked his way up the ranks to Senior Master Sargent before retiring. After retirement he also worked for GTech Corporation.

Tom spent his winters in Smithfield while vacationing at Roy Carpenter’s Beach in Matunuck during the summer. There he was part of a golf league and enjoyed time after golfing at “the table” with his many friends and family, solving “world problems”.

His funeral will be held on Monday, November 27th at 9 am from the Robbins Funeral Home, 2251 Mineral Spring Ave., North Providence with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am in Our Lady of Grace Church, George Waterman Rd., Johnston.  Burial with military honors will follow in the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery, Exeter.  Calling hours Sunday, November 26th from 2-5 pm.

Tom was also a generous man and strongly supported education; in lieu of flowers, a scholarship has been created in his name. Donations can be made to RCBA. PO Box 358, Wakefield, RI 02880. Please be sure to include his name in the memo portion of the check.