Gerald F. Butler

Gerald F. Butler, 93, a longtime resident of Bennington, VT died Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at Brookdale at Fillmore Pond in Bennington following a brief illness. He was born in Bennington, VT April 6, 1930. He was the son of the late Frederick T. Butler and Gladys (Morse) Butler. He received his education in Bennington and was a graduate of Bennington High School. He married the former Priscilla Legacy on November 11, 1950. Mrs. Butler died on December 10, 2017. Gerry was very passionate about his hometown and all its residents. For many years he was a partner and owner of Morse and Butler, Inc. He would often spend time with his family talking about the homes he and Morse and Butler built throughout Bennington, Williamstown, MA and Manchester, VT. In 1970 Gerry left the building business and opened Butler Real Estate on Main Street in Bennington. Gerry successfully operated Butler Realty for over 28 years until he sold the business in 1999. He always took great pride when people in town would stop and talk with him about the homes he helped them sell or purchase. Gerry was an avid lifetime golfer with his wife Priscilla as members of the Mt. Anthony Country Club for over 40 years. He also enjoyed carpentry and photography of historic places throughout Bennington and Vermont. Many of his historic photographs were displayed for sale at the Camelot Village for many years. He was a long-time member of the Bennington Rotary Club and former past President whose key projects were driving the erection of the shelter building at Willow Road and the bus stop shelters throughout town. Gerry was a long-time member of the Frist United Methodist Church where he served as Chairman of the Finance Committee, Church Lay Leader and Communion Steward with his wife Priscilla. More recently Gerry was a long-time member of the 2nd Congregational church where he also served on the finance committee. During his working years, he was part of the New England Builders Association and the Vermont Realtors Association. Gerry was always so grateful for all the support he had after his wife of 67 years, Priscilla passed away. Long-time friends, coffee partners and new friends always made him feel he was still part of the town he loved. Gerry's ability to change with the times and embrace technology kept him close to his entire family who all lived a long distance from Bennington. He was an avid Communicator with his children, grandchildren and many of his friends through texting and face timing. He always thought the closeness of his family was his greatest accomplishment. Survivors include two sons and their families, Scott Butler and his wife Jan of Oakland, CA; their sons Brian and his significant other Lexi and Casey and his wife Kristen, Mark Butler and his wife Millie of Charleston, S.C. and their sons, Dan and his wife Belicca and Colby and his wife Shannon. A memorial service will be held at the Second Congregational Church in Bennington on Saturday, April 15, at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow the service at the church. If friends desire contributions in memory of Gerald F. Butler may be made to the Second Congregational Church through the office of the Mahar and Son Funeral Home 628 Main St. Bennington, VT 05201. Guest book condolences may be made at www.maharandsonfuneralhome.net