×

Richard J. Butts, Jr.

Richard J. Butts, Jr.

Richard J. Butts Jr., age 63 of Fredonia, NY passed away Monday, May 6, 2019 at Absolut Care of Westfield, after a courageous four-year battle with fronto-temporal dementia, (FTD).

Born in Dunkirk, NY September 18, 1955 the son of the late Richard J. Butts Sr. and Ardith (Haines) Butts.

Rich or “Dickie”, as known by his close friends and family graduated from Fredonia High School in 1974. After graduating high school, Rich headed south to Florida to “figure out” what he wanted to do with his young life. After a few years in Florida, Rich decided to head back to his roots, Fredonia.

Rich began his 35-year career for the Village of Fredonia Department of Public Works. He would retire in 2011 as one of two working crew supervisors. After retirement, Rich did not stop working. He put his knowledge and skills to use where he served as the two term elected Town of Dunkirk Highway Superintendent. Unfortunately, Rich’s second term was cut short due to his untimely illness.

Rich was a life-long outdoorsman, he shared a passion for whitetail and turkey hunting. Every fall and spring, you would see Rich up at the camper in the Kabob swamps readying the land for the upcoming hunting season. Rich shared a love for animals. You could find him spotting bald eagles off his bulkhead at his lake house in Dunkirk, or giving his affection towards his two “daughters” golden retrievers Kailee and Kendall who will miss their father dearly.

Rich was a 44-year active member of the M.M. Fenner Hose Company #2 with the Fredonia Volunteer Fire Department. He served many capacities with the fire company, including past company president. Rich, was also a member of the Chautauqua County Conservation Club, Lakeside Club, and the Fredonia Beaver Club.

Rich had a desire for travel, in the 1990’s he followed his dream of acquiring his private pilot’s license. It was something Rich maintained, and he continued to fly for several years after. Rich, spent many springs at his “second home” of Siesta Key, FL where he had countless good times with old friends, and was always quick to make new ones over the years.

Rich’s final love was sharing his bright smile, and laughs at his Thursday night golf league at Cassadaga Lakes Country Club. He shared these many memories with his father Dick, and brothers Danny and Randy. Those memories Rich shared with his father, and brothers will certainly live on a lifetime.

Surviving are his son, and best friend Richard J. Butts III of Williamsville, NY, brother Randall (Valerie) Butts of Stockton, NY, half-sister Crystal Butts of Jamestown, NY, and half-sister Peggy Porter of Avon Park, FL. Besides his parents, Rich was preceded in death by his half-brother Daniel (Phyllis) Butts of Fredonia, NY.

Calls may be made Sunday from 5-7 pm at the LARSON-TIMKO Funeral Home, 20 Central Avenue, Fredonia, N.Y., where services will follow at 7 p.m.

Flowers are gratefully declined. If desired, please donate to the Chautauqua County Humane Society, 2825 Strunk Road, Jamestown, N.Y., 14701 or the Fredonia Volunteer Fire Department, 80 W. Main St., Fredonia, N.Y. 14063. Online condolences may be made at larsontimkofuneralhome.com. Arrangements by David J. Dengler.