EAST HERKIMER-Richard Gerney Butler, age 81, passed away peacefully after a short illness on Saturday evening December 19, 2020, in Saint Elizabeth's Medical Center, Utica. He was born on September 23, 1939 in Herkimer, son of the late Gerney F. and Frances R. Richards Butler. A lifelong East Herkimer resident, he was a graduate of Herkimer High School. On December 29, 1956 he was united in marriage to the former Patricia Baker in the Central United Methodist Church in Utica. They made their home and raised their family in East Herkimer. For forty-two years he was employed by the Remington Arms Company in Ilion, first as a Tool and Dye Maker and in later years in the Research and Development Laboratory. He retired in 1997. Richard was proud of his sixty-two year membership at the East Herkimer Volunteer Fire Department. For a number of years he was the Scout Master of Troop # 22 in East Herkimer. In his leisure time he enjoyed researching his family genealogy and spending his summers at his camp on Canadarago Lake in Richfield Springs. Richard was active in sports in his younger years and was always ready tell a story about his activities and the memories that he was so fond of. To all who knew Dick,they will never forget a kind and caring man who loved his family as they loved him in return. He will be sadly missed. He survived by his devoted wife of sixty-four years Patricia, two sons, Jeffrey Butler of Richfield Springs, Mark Butler of East Herkimer, two daughters, Carolyn Rockwell and Nadine Lindsay both of East Herkimer, one brother, Gene Butler and his wife Kim of East Herkimer, a sister, Barbara Baker of Rock Hill, SC, seven grandchildren, Sean O'Brien, Heather O'Brien, Casey Rockwell, Jeffrey Butler, Jr., Alesia Butler, Elizabeth Martin, Jenna Swank, six great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Myron Baker. Calling hours and funeral for Mr. Butler will take place this spring. Interment will take place in Oak Hill Cemetery later this coming spring. Expressions of sympathy may be made with memorial donations to the East Herkimer Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 95, Herkimer, NY 13350. Pending Arrangements Pending Service