Obituary of Ralph A. Butler
Ralph A. Butler
Olean, NY Ralph A. Butler of Olean passed away Tuesday (March 19,2019) at Olean General Hospital after a long illness. He was comforted by the presence of his loving family.
Born January 14, 1944 in Gowanda he was the son of Oliver A. and Mary Ellen Taylor Butler. On December 28, 1968 at St. Bernard's Church in Bradford, PA he married Gertrude E. "Trudy" Traphagen who survives.
After his schooling he was drafted into the US Army where he served during the Vietnam War from 1965 to 1967.
He was first employed at Stroehmann's Bakery and then he worked for over 30 years for the City of Olean prior to his retirement.
Ralph enjoyed traveling with his wife Trudy and camping with his family at Allegany State Park. He also enjoyed pitching horseshoes. He was a member of the Allegany American Legion and he was an avid fan of the Buffalo Bills, the Atlanta Braves and the St. Bonaventure Bonnies.
In addition to his wife of 50 years are 3 children Gina (Rick) Larrabee of Little Genesee, William (Holly) Butler and Joseph Butler, both of Olean; 2 grandchildren Christina Maid and Ricky (Vanessa) Larrabee; 1 great-granddaughter Lydia Marie Maid; 3 brothers Harley Butler of Franklinville, Donald (Teressa) Butler of Goose Creek, SC and Robert Butler of Hamburg and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by an infant daughter Susan Elaine Butler; 3 sisters Leah Snow, Linda Ellen Davies and Mary Ellen Bielat and 3 brothers Douglas Butler, Wendell Butler and David Butler.
Friends will be received on Friday (March 22, 2019) from 11:30 to 1:30pm at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 W. State Rd. Olean. Services will begin at 1:30pm in the funeral home. Rev. David Tourville of the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, will officiate. Burial will be in Pleasant Valley Cemetery with full military honors being accorded by the Allegany American Legion.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Friends of Allegany State Park at www.friendsofallegany.com.
Online condolences may expressed at oleanfuneralhome.com.
