Christopher “Chris” Butler died peacefully at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital on March 13, 2019.  He was 87 years old. 

Chris is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Lillie (nee Philbin) Butler, of County Mayo, Ireland.  Chris is also survived by his brother Michael and his wife Rose, his many nieces and nephews whom he loved and cherished as his own children, as well as many other relatives, cousins and friends near and far.  He is preceded in death by his brothers John and Joseph of Ireland.

Chris was born on December 16, 1931 in Birr, County Offaly, Ireland to John and Mary Kate Butler. After moving to New York from Ireland, Chris was inducted into the US Army on July 6, 1956.  He then went on to work for Aer Lingus Airlines for 35 years as a Senior Sales Supervisor. Chris devoted much of his time to volunteer work, which included: longtime financial secretary for the Bronx County Board AOH; president of Division 9 Bronx County AOH; current Sentinel for Division 7 Bronx County AOH; longtime Officer and Spiritual Director of the County Offaly Association; Assistant Chaplin at the Bronx VA Hospital; and Eucharistic Minister and Lector at St. Margaret of Cortona, Bronx, NY.  He was also a member of the New York City Mendelssohn Glee Club as a First Tenor.   But his greatest accomplishment was the kindness, generosity and love he exhibited for his family and friends. Chris and his wife would never miss a baptism, a communion, wedding or funeral, no matter how near or far away.

Viewing hours will be on Sunday March 17, 2019 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home, 6110 Riverdale Avenue, Bronx NY. A funeral mass will be held Monday, March 18, 2019 at 9:45 am at St. Margaret of Cortona Church, located at 6000 Riverdale Avenue, Bronx NY.  In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be sent to American Cancer Society P.O. Box 22478 Oklahoma City, OK 73123.