RICHFIELD SPRINGS - Leonard G. Butler, 75, of Church Street, passed away unexpectedly Sunday morning, July 15, 2007, in his home. He was born Jan. 29, 1932, in Middlefield, son of the late Helen Pitts Butler. Lenny was raised in Schoharie, where he graduated from Schoharie High School with the class of 1949. He furthered his education, doing post-graduate studies at West Winfield High School. He moved to Richfield Springs in the early 1950s from West Winfield. Upon completing his education, he went to work first as a self-employed painter and later worked in heavy construction. In 1975, he joined the Remington Arms Company in Ilion, where he was a machinist until his retirement in 1994. For the last 10 years, he worked for the Utica Observer Dispatch as a delivery man.On March 26, 1967, he was united in marriage with the former Elizabeth J. "Betty" Kappler in Richfield Springs, where they have made their home and raised their family. A familiar face to everyone in Richfield Springs, Lenny had a true sense of community. Since the late 1970s he has served as a village trustee, deputy mayor and currently as mayor, holding the office since 2003. He was a member of the Richfield Springs Lions Club, Richfield Springs Volunteer Fire Department, where he was an exempt fireman, the Richfield Springs Emergency Squad, a former member of Richfield Springs Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, the Band Boosters and the Sports Boosters. He cared about the youth in the community, where he was active with Richfield Springs Little League, Richfield Springs American Legion Baseball and was instrumental in starting the Babe Ruth League in Richfield. Lenny will always be remembered as a down-to-earth man. Any conversation with him was direct and to the point. But you could always sense his warmth and friendship whenever you were with him. He was a friend to many and will never be forgotten. Surviving are his loving wife of 40 years, Betty; one son J. Chris Butler and his wife, Toni, of Richfield Springs; three daughters, DeEtta McKnight of Rochester, Chandra Coones and her husband, Bryan, of Richfield Springs and Lynn Etta Butler and her fianc, Steven Gay, of Herkimer; a brother, Donald A. Butler and his wife, Charlotte, of Richfield Springs; nine grandchildren, Brandon and Jessika Coones, Katherine Gagnon, Ronnie and LaRhonda McKnight, Sierra, Madisyn and Kennadi Butler and Kurstin Gay; a niece, Lisa Butler; a nephew, Don Butler; and several cousins. Besides his mother, he was preceded in death by a special son-in-law, Ralph Imundo, in July 2000. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday in the Richfield Springs Bible Church with the Rev. Alan Miller, pastor, officiating.Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. The family will be present to receive relatives and friends in J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, 40 West James St., Richfield Springs, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday. Expressions of sympathy may be made with memorial donations to your local SPCA or the American Diabetes Association. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.