Obituary of Joseph H. Butler

Joseph H. Butler | Visit Guest Book Butler, Joseph H. Binghamton: Joseph H. Butler, 86, of Binghamton, died unexpectedly Thursday, March 22, 2012 at his home. He was predeceased by his first wife, Janet Lyden Butler, and his grandson, Patrick J. Butler. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Butler, Binghamton; his children, Joseph and Cissie Butler, John L. Butler, Ann and Joe Potak, James F. and Terri Butler; nine grandchildren, Elizabeth, Katherine, Kevin, Claire, Kyle, Eric, Alexis, Katrina and Lyden; step-children, Reuel VanAtta, Inga VanAtta, Renn and Karen VanAtta, Todd VanAtta; several step-grandchildren. Joe was born in Glen Cove, Long Island, NY. He was a graduate of Cornell University where he was involved in the V-12 Navy Program and was a member of the Cornell Crew Team. He received his PhD from Columbia University. He served in the US Navy as a 1st Lieutenant aboard the USS Montpelier and later served aboard the USS Henrico during the Korean War. He was a professor at Michigan Tech University and later taught at Harpur College and retired from SUNY at Binghamton. He was a Full Professor of Geography and later authored a text book, Economic Geography. Joe loved living in Binghamton for what it offered: libraries, theater, opera, classical music, jazz and good restaurants. He was a lifelong learner who loved to read, travel and do crossword puzzles. He was an avid runner, but above all was his love of family and zest for life. Private Funeral Services will be held at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street, Binghamton on Sunday. Burial will be in Riverhurst Cemetery, Endwell at the convenience of the family. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Joe may be made to the Joseph and Janet Butler Memorial Fund c/o Broome Community College, Upper Front Street, Binghamton, NY 13905. Published in Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin from March 24 to March 26, 2012 Follow this Obituary Follow on Facebook Get Email Updates Share with Others