Butch, Robert J.

Robert Joseph Butch, age 78, born on June 2,1942 in Tariffville, Connecticut died on January 7, 2021 after a courageous fight against Ideopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Bob was the son of Edna Boneski and George Edmund Butch.

After graduating from Simsbury High School in 1960, Robert served for 3 years in the United States Army Signal Corps. One of eight children, he is survived by his sister Patricia Brainard of Franklin, North Carolina. Also, surviving is his wife of 28 years, Christine Adams Butch and his three sons: Thomas Butch of San Diego, California, Robert Butch of Unionville, Connecticut and William Butch of Glenwood Springs, Colorado. And two granddaughters, Katie Butch and Diana Butch.

Daughters-in-law include Michelle Butch, Caroline Butch, and Megan Chance.

He also leaves his stepchildren: Edward Hanley, of Oak Park, California, Marcia Firsick of South Windsor, Connecticut and Mark Hanley of Boxborough, Massachusetts and step grandchildren, Harrison Hanley, Benjamin Firsick, James Firsick, and Grace Hanley.

Bob worked at Southern New England Telephone for 30 years where he completed his B.A at Central Connecticut State University in 1980, and his Masters in Social Work at Southern Connecticut State University in 1995. Then, he practiced as a licensed, clinical social worker in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Maine for 18 years.

In 2001, he and his wife co-authored Happy To Be Me, a children’s book on self esteem. That year, with his son Robert Butch Jr., he and his wife built a house in Berwick, Maine where they lived until 2013. Eventually, Bob and Christine retired to Englewood, Florida. Bob has been an active member of AA for 29 years. He will be remembered for his ”uncommon courage” in the face of adversity - always a caring, loving, generous, and spiritual man.