Ralph Butler

Age 81 passed away peacefully at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center on Saturday, January 27, 2018. Ralph was born in Tioga County PA, son of the late Ralph and Helen (Burns) Butler. Ralph is also predeceased by his wife Antoinette and son-in-law Michael Davis. He is survived by children and their spouses, Burt and Lisa Butler, Mark Butler, Mary Anne and Jack Narosky, Don and Debbie Butler, Helen and Jim Specchio; grandchildren, Jeremie (Angela), Jennie, Lauren, Eric (Myranda), Samantha (Tyler), Michael, Ben, Emily and Sarah; 3 great grandchildren; special friend and longtime companion Mary Ogershok; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. Ralph was a U S Army veteran, serving during the Korean War. He was retired from the New York State Department of Corrections. Ralph was very active on the local sport scene where he was an umpire, referee and sports official for nearly 50 years. An avid outdoor enthusiast Ralph enjoyed fishing and hunting. He was a member of the Italian American Veterans Club, America Legion Post #1208 Wayne NY, and the Elmira Elks Lodge #62. Ralph was a long time communicant of St. Anthony's Church, where he was one of the organizers of the annual festival. Currently, Ralph was a communicant of Blessed Sacrament Parish. Family and friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water St., Elmira, on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A prayer service will be held there on Wednesday, January 31, 2018 at 10:15 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. in Ss. Peter and Paul Church, 161 High Street, Elmira. Committal prayers and interment, with military honors, will follow at St. Peter and Paul's Cemetery. Those wishing may remember Ralph with a donation to Blessed Sacrament Parish, 1010 Davis Street, Elmira NY 14901. Officers and members of the I.A.V. will meet at McInerny Funeral Home, Tuesday, January 30th, at 6:30 p.m. to conduct a service for our brother, Ralph. Signed, Geno Dunn, Commander