Felix Robert "Butch" Zemko

6/23/1941 - 10/30/2025

Salem - Felix Robert Zemko, fondly known as Butch, of Salem, passed away Oct. 30, 2025, at Backus Hospital. He was 84 years old. Butch was born June 23, 1941, in Hartford. He was the son of the late Felix K. and Annie (Zahacefski) Zemko.

Butch enlisted with the U.S. Navy following high school and proudly served active duty for four years. He married his beloved wife, Josie Gonzales Aug. 3, 1964. The couple moved to Salem where they made their home and raised their family.

Butch retired several years ago after a long career as a carpenter with the New London-based Carpenters Local 30 Union. He was a former member of the Gardner Lake Volunteer Fire Department. In his spare time, Butch enjoyed hunting and cooking.

He will be sadly missed but always remembered with love by his wife of 61 years, Josie; his children, Robert Zemko of Providence, R.I., and Theresa Zemko of Groton; cousins: Patricia Nardella, Patricia Archer, Chris Temeline and Debbie Okarmus; and many extended family members and friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Andrea Zemko.

Funeral services will be held beginning with calling hours from 10 to 11 a.m. followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 3, at Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, 167 Old Hartford Road, Colchester. Burial will follow in the Salem Green Cemetery. Donations in his memory may be made to the Gardner Lake Volunteer Fire Department, 429 Old Colchester Road, Salem, CT 06420. For online condolences or to share a story of Butch for his family, please visit www.auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com.