Rev. Robert J. Butler

May 08, 1936 - October 21, 2024

...
Text:

Obituary for Rev. Robert J. Butler

Rev. Robert J. Butler, 88, of Boston, on October 21, 2024, in Boston.

Son of the late Matthew and Katherine (Morrison) Butler. Brother of the late Charles Butler, Matthew Butler, Mary Mullaney, and Rev. Richard J. Butler. Uncle, Great Uncle and Great Grand Uncle to many nieces and nephews who will always remember his boundless kindness, great sense of fun (Mass in the backyard, skiing, sailing, running road races, playing games, telling jokes), and deep unwavering faith. He lived by his own advice, โ€œknow God, know God loves you, and share that love with others.โ€

Father Butler was born in Boston with his twin brother, Rev. Richard J. Butler, on May 8, 1936. He attended Boston Latin School and later St. Johnโ€™s Seminary. He was ordained with his twin brother on February 2, 1962, at Holy Cross Cathedral by Cardinal Cushing. He offered his first Mass on February 4, 1962, at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Belmont.

Father Butlerโ€™s assignments have included St. Mary of the Nativity, Scituate (1962-1964); Chaplain, Trinity Academy, Watertown (1964); St. Philip, South End of Boston (1964-1966); St. Patrick, Stoneham (1966-1969); Graduate study, Boston College School of Social Work; Sacred Heart, Newton Centre (1969-1971, in-residence); Staff, Family Counseling Services at the North Shore office (1969-1971); St. Athanasius, Reading (1971-1985, in-residence); Immaculate Conception, Salem (1985-1986, in-residence); St. Mary Parish in Hull (May 13, 1986, pastor); St. Joseph Parish in Pepperell (January 5, 1993, pastor).

Fr. Butler was granted senior priest/retirement status on June 1, 2006. Thereafter, he began serving at St. Agatha Parish in Milton. After St. Agathaโ€™s, Father Butler began living at Regina Cleri. He celebrated his golden jubilee in February 2012 with his twin brother at St. John Chrysostom Church in West Roxbury.

The family would like to express deep thanks for the loving care from the Regina Cleri staff.

A concelebrated Funeral Mass will be held at Saint Joseph Church, 68 William Cardinal Oโ€™Connell Way, Boston on Tuesday October 29 at 11:00 AM. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Fr. Butler will lie in state at St. Joseph Church prior to the mass from 9:30-10:30 AM. Interment Fairview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Clergy Trust, 66 Brooks Drive, Braintree, MA.

Services

29 Oct

Visting Hour

09:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Saint Joseph Catholic Church 68 William Cardinal O'Connell Way Boston, MA 02114 Get Directions ยป
29 Oct

Mass of Christian Burial

11:00 AM

Saint Joseph Catholic Church 68 William Cardinal O'Connell Way Boston, MA 02114 Get Directions ยป
29 Oct

Interment

12:30 PM

Fairview Cemetery 45 Fairview Avenue Boston, MA 02136 Get Directions ยป
by Obituary Assistant

Photos & Video

Add New Photos & Video

Condolences

  • October 28, 2024

    Reverend Butler served God & the Catholic community well. He will be missed but earned his place in heaven. Thankful for all good men of the cloth. With deep sympathy to his family , Judy Levasseur

  • October 27, 2024

    I remember Father Butler from his time in Hull. He was a kind and caring man who always had time to stop and talk to find out how you were. When my Dad passed, a friend sent me a card that said "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal." Father Butler left many memories for us all to hold onto.

  • October 27, 2024

    Father Bob and his twin brother Rev Dick held masses in the back yard of their sister Mary's house during the summer for years in Dennis on the Cape. These masses were instrumental in bringing our neighborhood together. Revealing the message, God is everywhere. Rest in Peace Father Bob ๐Ÿ™

  • October 26, 2024

    A wonderful friend. Dr John Twomey

  • October 24, 2024

    I knew the father when he was a priest at St. Philips in Roxbury. He was a kind and caring person and loved interacting with the parish baseball team, which I was a member. His sidekick was a Father Reagan who also a great man . Rest in peace.

Loading...