Published March 12, 2021
MELROSE— Louis C. Butler Jr., a resident of Melrose and Scituate, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, March 6, 2021, at age 74.
He was born in Somerville on May 3, 1946, and is one of four children of the late Louis C. Butler, Sr. and Bernice H. (Whitney) Butler. Raised and educated in Somerville, Lou graduated from Somerville High School and attended Northeastern University. He was married at St. Agnes Church in Arlington on April 20, 1968, and settled in Melrose in 1973 to raise a family of three children. Lou worked for Industrial Materials Technology (IMT) for 24 years as a Facilities Engineer. With an engineer’s mind, strong work ethic, and willing nature, Lou was a well-respected manager of the company.
After retiring from IMT, Lou began working as the sexton at the Melrose Unitarian Universalist Church. For 15 years, Lou greatly enjoyed his work providing the physical repairs and everyday facility needs for the building. If Lou could help in anyway, he was always ready and willing, and brought a sense of determination and purpose to every job he completed. Humble, yet highly experienced, Lou was very knowledgeable. He could build, repair or fix anything that he came across, but was driven to succeed by the joy that he brought to others.
In his free time, Lou had a passion for classic cars and loved supporting the Boston sports teams.
Lou had a particular appreciation for his family roots in Melrose while also forming a connection to the ocean and beach at their house in Scituate. Along with his family, he grew to love spending time on Peggotty beach in Scituate. Lou showed his classic will, determination, and unbeatable constitution over the last several months to complete his rehabilitation and return home to family. While the pandemic has been hard, it provided him with the happiest time of his life being in a bubble with those he loved.
Lou was an understated family man to the core, and helped to instill those values in his family. A natural caretaker, he never asked for anything and never complained. He quietly gave of himself, sharing his generous and steady nature, and only hoped for a smile in return. Lou was a trusted and loyal friend to many, especially his longtime friend Steven Small of Marshfield. Most of all, Lou was a family man. He was the strong, big hearted patriarch who showered Helene with love, and his children with praise and support. He will be deeply and sorely missed but his life will continue to inspire his friends and family.
“Boumpa” was the beloved husband of Helene M. (Marchant) Butler with whom he shared 52 years of marriage. Devoted father of Cynthia Butler-Kistner and her husband Frank of Boca Raton, FL, Melissa Butler-Kennison and her husband David of Danvers, and the late Jeffrey L. Butler. Cherished “Boumpa” of Craig and Briana Kistner, Collin Butler, Jennalyn, Brody, and Dylan Kennison. Loving brother of Carol Chaisson and her husband James of Plymouth, Scott Butler and his husband Wayne of MA, and William Butler of Nottingham, NH. Caring uncle of Jennie, Matthew, and Elizabeth Chaisson, and great-uncle of Brooke and Michael Horte. Blessed with a large and loving family, he will be forever remembered by many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Relatives and friends were invited to visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Thursday, March 11 from 4-7p.m. A burial service, with a celebration of Lou’s life, will be held over the summer.
Memorials in memory of Lou, may be made to the Jeffrey L. Butler Memorial Fund, c/o Eastern Bank, 441 Main St., Melrose, MA 02176. For online tribute visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com
