Obituary of Robert Butinski

Robert W. Butinski Olean, NY Robert W. Butinski, 82, of 1833 West Franklin St., town of Allegany, passed away Monday (April 20, 2015) at his home. Born June 17, 1932 in Brentwood, PA he was a son of John and Stephania Basik Butinski. In January 1957 he married Josephine "Joann" Woods who predeceased him October 9, 2008. Mr. Butinski was raised in Brentwood, PA and attended St. Wendelin High School. His family moved to Olean and he graduated from Olean High School. He excelled at sports, especially baseball and football and after playing in high school, was offered a scholarship to play football at the college level. Due to difficult economic circumstances in his family, he declined the offer and began employment with the Pennsylvania Railroad. In those early years of employment he was also paid for playing semi-pro football with the Olean Rockets. Later he was recruited to the former Seneca Indians Football team, which he played for one season. To be eligible to play he was made an honorary member of the Seneca Nation of Indians. Another opportunity he later declined was an offer to play at the professional level with the New York Giants football team. His railroad career spanned over 45 years and he loved his job and responsibilities. He achieved the position of lead conductor and proudly served as President of the local United Transportation Union for 20 years. Mr. Butinski was a member of St. Bonaventure Church, a former member of the United Transportation Union and an avid baseball fan, especially the NY Yankees. Surviving are a son Robert J. (Diana) Butinski of Richmond, TX; a brother Edward (Joyce) Butinski of Allegany; a sister Rosemary (Carl) Saglimben of Allegany and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife he was predeceased by a brother John "Peck" Butinski. Friends will be received on Thursday from 5-8pm at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 W. State Rd. Olean. Funeral services will be held Friday (April 24, 2015) beginning with a prayer service at 9:00am in the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 9:30am in St. Bonaventure Church. Rev. James Vacco, OFM, pastor, will be the celebrant. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Online condolences may be expressed at oleanfuneralhome.com.