HAROLD BUTTRICK

BUTTRICK--Harold Edgar,

architect, died peacefully in his sleep at home, aged 84, surrounded by his family. Buttrick, whose career spanned six decades, was a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, a member of the Century Association and the Harvard Club, and an active participant in the life of the city. Born in 1931, Harry was the eldest of three children of Constance LaBoiteaux Drake and Charles Edgar Buttrick, and had five additional siblings. He grew up in Bryn Mawr, PA and Nantucket, MA. Prior to enrolling as an undergraduate at Harvard, he was awarded an English Speaking Union travelling scholarship in its inaugural class, and spent several months in England. In 1953 he started graduate work at Harvard's Graduate School of Design, and two years later, married his GSD classmate Ann Octavia White, a granddaughter of architect Stanford White. Buttrick established his first solo practice in New York City in 1961 and subsequently engaged in several partnerships, including Buttrick, White and Burtis. His built work includes the St. Thomas Choir School building, the Dana Center in Central Park at the Harlem Meer, a monastery in Nairobi, Kenya, many residences, offices, Tower Records stores, and projects for numerous private schools. He oversaw the rebuilding of the Pulitzer Fountain at Grand Army Plaza, and his most recent partnership, Murphy, Burnham and Buttrick, continues with the restoration of St. Patrick's Cathedral. Throughout his professional life, Harry influenced and encouraged many young designers. An avid reader, gardener, hiker and music lover, Harry resided in Manhattan and Lyme, CT. Buttrick is survived by his wife Ann, and their children John Buttrick, Jerome Buttrick, Mary Burnham, Sarah Buttrick and Catherine Leland, five brothers, and seven grandchildren. Harry was a much loved husband and father. He had many dear friends and will be remembered for his positive personality, clear intelligence, elegance and good cheer. A funeral mass will be held at St. Thomas More Church, 65 East 89th Street, New York at 10:30am on Thursday, February 19th. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the New Yorkers for Parks, 55 Broad Street, New York, NY 10004.