Robert J. Butman

Robert J. "Red" Butman 89, beloved husband of Carmella (Stelline) Butman, died Tuesday, December 2, 2014 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Born and raised in Beverly, he was the son of the late Roland and Lucy (Lambert) Butman. A highly decorated and honorably discharged veteran, he served his country during World War II as a member of the United States Army. He was the recipient of two Purple Heart Medals, one of which was awarded for his bravery on October 24, 1944 in Northern Italy and the Bronze Star. A German shell hit the structure and exploded where sixteen U.S. soldiers from the Red Bull 34th Division were at rest. Sgt. Butman was the sole survivor. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, the V.F.W. in Beverly, Past Commander of the American Legion Post #194 in Hamilton, County Commander of the Son's of the American Legion, Past President of 34th Infantry Division Association and a member of the Military Order of Purple Heart. Mr. Butman had been employed for many years as a caretaker at local North Shore estates including the McKean Estate in Hamilton and the William Loeb Estate in Prides Crossing. At the time of his retirement, Red worked in the security department at Beverly Hospital. In addition to his wife, with whom he shared sixty eight years of marriage, he is survived by two sons, Robert Butman Jr. and his wife Nancy of Beverly and William Butman of Beverly; six grandchildren, Robert Butman III and his wife Kristen, Sam Melei III, Steven Butman, Jeffrey Melei and his wife Courtney, Christopher Butman and his wife Emily and Donald Butman and his friend Nicole; eleven great grandchildren; two sisters, Eleanor Lundergan of Peabody and Dorothy Desjardins and her husband Gus of Florida, one brother, Philip Butman and his wife Frances of Beverly and several nieces and nephews. He was also the brother of the late Ralph, Donald and Earl "Tom" Butman. Funeral Services will be held at the Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly, Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 2 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held prior to the service on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Burial in the Hamilton Cemetery. Contributions may be made in his memory to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan St., Danvers, MA 01923 or the North Shore Senior Care, 49 Blackburn Center, Gloucester, MA 01930. Information, directions, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com.