Harry "Butch" Butler of Hyde Park was a true family man - a devoted husband, dad, pop pop, brother, son, uncle, cousin, colleague, and irreplaceable friend. While our hearts are filled with immense and profound grief, we are deeply grateful for the gift of his life, the fierce love he gave us all, and the comfort of knowing he is now free.

Butch was predeceased by his parents, including most recently his loving stepmother, Betty Butler. He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 54 years, Patti Gannon Butler. Their marriage was a rare, one-of-a-kind partnership built on mutual respect and a deep, enduring love. He is also survived by his one and only daughter, Joanna Murphy; son-in-law and buddy, Matt; precious granddaughter, Clover Jane; and his special granddog Stevie, with whom he loved to "play ball." Butch's greatest happiness was spending time with his family, supporting and witnessing all of their accomplishments. As her doting "Pop Pop," Clover was his absolute pride and joy, and he cherished every single moment spent spoiling her and making her laugh.

Butch leaves behind his loving sisters, Janet Mollica and Betty Ann Butler (along with her wife, Emily Gambacorta-Butler), all of Red Hook. He holds a special place in the hearts of his sister-in-law, Ruthie Elderkin, and her sons, Craig and Jeff, all of Hyde Park, who were incredibly important to him. He is also survived by several beloved nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as a core group of five lifelong friends - Mimo, George, Bob, Mark and Charlie - brothers in every way that matters, who will miss him forever.

Butch was a man who took pride in everything he did. He honorably served his country in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Chikaskia. He brought that same dedication to his career, spending 41 years at Highway Displays in Poughkeepsie, where he was treated like family. Deeply rooted in his community, Butch spent 15 years coaching and managing Little League softball in the town of Hyde Park. He loved every single minute on the field, mentoring young athletes and leaving a lasting impression.

If you knew Butch, you knew he was a die-hard NY sports fan through and through, spending a lifetime cheering on (and occasionally yelling at) the Yankees, Giants, Knicks and Rangers. That Giants flag went up every Sunday during football season! He was also very passionate about music. Whether it was the oldies, classic rock, or country, Butch could spend hours lost in a music store or engaging in music trivia. He was an animal lover, who had a strong bond with his childhood dog, Skippy. He also rescued and cared for four cats over the years. He found happiness in life's simplest routines: a morning drive to get the paper, a cup of coffee, and his ultimate therapeutic pastime - obsessively cleaning his car. Butch kept his vehicles in showroom condition at all times! In fact, Butch would be absolutely mortified, deeply distressed, and profoundly shaken by the current state of Patti's car since he became ill.

The impact Butch made on the lives of many cannot be overstated. He was the warmest, kindest, funniest, most generous, dedicated, supportive, loving and protective family man and friend. Per his wishes, there will be no calling hours or services. Instead, because a life this beautifully lived deserves a true gathering of remembrance, all are welcome to join the family at his Celebration of Life on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at Vassar College's Alumnae House, 161 College Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY. Drop by anytime between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM to toast Butch and share stories, music, and memories.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to Hudson Valley Hospice or the Dutchess County SPCA