Robert P. Butler

Robert P. Butler Passed away on Thursday, March 9, 2017, in the loving arms of his family. Bob was born in Bound Brook, NJ on February 10, 1941 to the late Robert and Elvira (Rosa) Butler. He was the oldest of five children, including his surviving sister Nancy, and his deceased siblings Pat, Jackie and Richard. During his early years, Bob developed an interest in auto mechanics and went on to open and operate his own service stations in NJ and later in NY. It was at a service station where he met the love of his life, Gudrun Kerulis who survives. Realizing that she was the girl of his dreams, Bob literally chased Gudy down in a car to get her phone number after completing her tire repair. They were married ten months later on September 22, 1962, and began a 54 year journey together. Above all else, Bob and Gudy treasured family. They loved and nurtured two children, Cynthia (Jamie) Merry and Robert P. Butler Jr., and four grandchildren, Taylor, Alex, Morgan and Jolynn Merry. Although Bob was predeceased by his son in 1993, he spoke often about memories they had made together and his ability to feel his son’s presence and support throughout life. In his final hours Bob spoke of their long awaited reunion. The majority of Bob’s life was spent in Greenwood, New York, having moved his family there in 1973. Mechanic by trade, Bob had an amazing ability to creatively and inexpensively fix anything. He thrived on helping others, especially his grandchildren, with their “please fix this, Pop-pop” requests. He also shared a love of animals with his grandchildren and helped them to raise a variety of pets, including his personal favorite, Rosie, the loving companion that never left Bob’s side. Living right next door to his grandchildren, Bob was often interrupted by a youngster’s crisis or question and always made time for them. Pop-pop, as he was lovingly known, never failed to put his family’s needs before his own. Bob taught his grandchildren to hunt, fish, ride bikes and drive cars. He was an undiscovered scientist and innovator, and enjoyed discussing his many unpatented inventions with others and even making prototypes with his grandchildren. Bob enjoyed living in the country, camping and boating and never turned down a homemade meal or treat. He donated gallons of blood to the American Red Cross and was a supporter of Relay for Life, riding his bike to work from Greenwood to Hornell as “Willy MakeIt” in order to gain donations. Many may have known Bob while he owned service stations or while he worked at General Electric, Morrison-Knudson, Amarail, and Alstom from which he retired in 2005. He enjoyed the company of people and loved to share jokes and stories with those he cared for. There will be no calling hours or funeral, but friends are encouraged to write down a memory and send it to his family at 2159 Wheeler Hill Road, Rexville, NY 14877. In lieu of flowers, Bob would have encouraged you to hug a loved one and tell them how much they mean to you. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc., 1050 Pennsylvania Ave., Elmira/Southport, NY. Bob's tribute wall may be signed in obituaries at www.olthof.com.