May 7, 1934 – February 27, 2022
A talented woodworker
Robert Allen Butler, 87, died February 27 at The Heritage Inn in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Born on May 7, 1934 in Princeton and raised in Rocky Hill, he was self-employed for most of his career —eventually securing employment in the building maintenance department of City Federal Savings before his retirement in 1990.
A talented woodworker, he spent many hours in his workshop, first in Skillman, then in Earlysville, Virginia, where he relocated in 1990, after building a log cabin on 9 acres overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains. He created many lovely pieces, some of which adorn the homes of his family members.
He very much enjoyed collecting antiques, particularly primitive tools. In spring and summer he would typically be found tending his enormous garden, which yielded a bountiful harvest each year.
He is predeceased by his parents: Robert Jackson Butler and Leola (Breese) Butler; his wife, Elissa Mary (Losche) Butler; and his brother, Kenneth Butler.
He is survived by three children: Cynthia Schafer and her husband Robert, of Belle Mead; Thomas Butler of Hobe Sound, Florida; and Glen Butler and his wife Sonya of Peru, Massachusetts; nine grandchildren: Robert, Laura, David and Paul Schafer; and Ryan, Mark, Olivia, Morgan, and Patrick Butler; five great grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
The family has opted for a private memorial service, which will be held at a later date.
