Thomas Martin Butler

Thomas Martin Butler, 77, of Ithaca, NY, died of pancreatic cancer on Thursday, January 2, 2025. He was the loving husband of Joyce Leslie.

Born September 11, 1947, in Hartford, CT, he was the son of the late William Fatio and Doris Estabrook (Martin) Butler. He grew up in West Hartford and West Suffield, CT, and graduated from the Holderness School in Holderness, NH, and Yale University. His time at Yale was interrupted by his service in the US Marine Corps where he attained the rank of Corporal. A devoted educator, he taught history and related subjects at Rumsey Hall School in Washington, CT; Brunswick School in Greenwich, CT; and for many years at Hamden Hall Country Day School in Hamden, CT. He also spent several summers teaching at the Salisbury Summer School in Salisbury, CT.

After he retired from teaching at Hamden Hall, he moved to New York in 2010, where he lived in Brooktondale and then in Ithaca. He continued his teaching at Lifelong, the Tompkins Country senior center in Ithaca, and indulged his other passion which was his art. His medium was collage with found objects and he participated in the Greater Ithaca Art Trail for several seasons. He also volunteered with multiple organizations, hiked with the Ithaca Hikers, and was a devoted sports fan, bringing his experience as a coach, referee, researcher, and wannabe athlete to games.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Nicholas Ryan Butler (Elizabeth) and two grandchildren, Dylan and Briana Butler; a sister, Judith Butler of Dedham, MA; a brother, Jonathan Rankin (Emily) of Nichols, NY; as well as three nieces, Andrea McGlew, Donna Parobek, and Caroline Traverso, and their families.

Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Lansing Funeral Home has charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Lifelong, 119 West Court Street, Ithaca, NY 14850.