John R. Butler (“Jack”), 85, of Warwick, Rhode Island, passed away on Sunday, May 8. John was from a family of nine children, and a lifelong Rhode Island resident. After graduating from Aldrich High School in 1954, he served with the U.S. Army in Europe. While stationed in England, he met Ellen McKee (“Eileen”) of Kilkenny, Ireland. They married in 1958 and remained married until her death in 2014. John is survived by his children Patricia, Sean, Michelle, and Kevin; daughter-in-law Gina; granddaughters Brianna and Danica; sisters Dorothy Butler and Glenda Butler; and numerous nieces and nephews. His brothers Phil, Raymond, Earl and David; and sisters Rose and Gloria, pre-deceased him.
Following their marriage, John and Eileen first settled in Providence, moving to Warwick in 1970. John held multiple jobs while completing his accounting degree from Bryant College (now Bryant University). He worked for Pearson Yachts, and was then employed by Cooper Lewis, Inc. for many years, retiring in 1998. Prior to retirement, he was an active member of St. Rita’s parish, and also provided volunteer accounting services for the Jonah Community Center. Once retired, “Papa Jack” enjoyed spending more time with his grandchildren.
John was a dedicated recreational sailor, as captain of the ‘Grá mo chroí’ (Irish for ‘Love of My Heart’), a distinctive 18-foot wooden sailboat. He had a wide range of other interests. He loved photography, loved to talk, and loved to read, particularly history and autobiography. He especially loved dogs and enjoyed their company throughout his life.
Visitation will be held Friday, May 13, 2022 from 9-10 a.m. at the Thomas & Walter Quinn Funeral Home, 2435 Warwick Ave., Warwick. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 13, at St. Rita Church, 722 Oakland Beach Ave., followed by burial at the Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Exeter.
