Ronald O. Butler

FITCHBURG: Lover-of-life, Ronald O. Butler of Fitchburg, 94, passed peacefully in his home on December 1, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Theresa M. (Mercier) Butler in January 2016 and his son, Rene Butler of Lancaster, in 2006. Though he spent 30 years as a paper maker at the James River Paper Company, the job he loved most was working as a telegraph operator with the Boston and Maine Railroad. For many years, he owned a business, Montachusett Built-In Vacuum Systems, and found that being his own boss suited him. The smoothest of dancers, Ron was the first person on the dance floor at any event with music, including his own 90th birthday party. He played his guitar in the family living room and for over three decades sang as a member of the Johnny Appleseed Harmonizers. There was nothing more important to Ron than family; he loved them with all his heart, and he will be greatly missed. Throughout his adult life, he was a member of Saint Joseph’s Church in Fitchburg, volunteering there in a number of capacities. Ron was the last surviving member of Cleghorn’s LMC. Ron leaves three sons and daughters in law; Paul L. and Karen Butler, George W. and Renda Butler, Gerald C. and Rhonda Butler, all of Fitchburg. He leaves two daughters, JoAnne M. Chirico of Gloucester and Janice P. Potter and her husband, Bobby Potter, of Fitchburg; a daughter in law Carol Butler of Sterling. He also leaves 14 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Denis Butler of Gardner, George J. Butler of Fitchburg, Delrose Cormier of Oakham and Theresa Belletete of North Carolina. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 6h at St. Joseph’s Church, 49 Woodland Street, Fitchburg. Interment will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Ron’s family will receive relatives and friends at calling hours on Tuesday, December 5th, from 4-7 p.m. at the Isabelle & Anderson Funeral Home, 316 Clarendon Street, Fitchburg. www.andersonfuneral.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, c/o St. Joseph’s Church, 49 Woodland Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420.

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Ronald O. Butler

December 23, 1928 - December 1, 2023