11/25/2025
SOUTH GLENS FALLS, NY- Dennis Timothy Butler (Timmy) of South Glens Falls, NY, passed away November 23, 2025, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was with his wife, Karen, and his daughter, Mary Beth by his side, holding his hands. He died at home,
Born in Albany, NY, to Jack and Betty Butler, Timmy grew up in Saratoga Springs at his family’s home on Fifth Avenue. As he reminded us frequently, he was the fifth of six and was the quintessential middle child. His birthdate was always a matter of confusion. His mother swore he was born on December 19, 1951, as reflected on his Baptismal Certificate. However, when Timmy obtained his birth certificate (in his forties), he discovered that he was born on December 16. Suffice it to say, this was a shock and his papers were “not in order.” After a scramble to correct his driver’s license and social security documents to reflect the 12/16 date, he came to embrace this slight glitch. He, thereafter, celebrated two birthdays and expected all of his family and even his Facebook friends to do the same. He received two gifts and two sets of birthday cards from his wife and his dog, Kyra, as well as lots of good wishes. He never blamed his mom. After all, he was the fifth child and it was Christmas! Mrs. Butler had a lot on her plate. In any event, he got more than his due and he loved it.
Timmy attended St. Clements Elementary School where he and his sister, Debbie, would walk home for lunch every day. He was an altar boy at St. Clement’s Church. Timmy went on to St. Peter’s Academy High School where he graduated in 1969. He was the Senior Class President. That meant he was “president for life” and Timmy organized many class reunions following graduation. It was in high school, Timmy started dating Karen Tighe. They attended both proms together and got into their share of trouble. But they both had a serious side. Timmy belonged to the Book of the Month Club in High School and Karen belonged to the Doubleday Book Club. They spent a lot of time exploring the several book stores on Broadway and read/reread books by their favorite authors (William Goldman was a favorite). Timmy was an avid supporter of Bobby Kennedy and he and Karen carried Kennedy brochures door to door trying to get the vote out in the 1968 New York Primary. Timmy was watching the returns come in on the news when they showed the California ballroom on June 6, 1968, when Bobby Kennedy was assassinated. Timmy was devastated. He did not go to school the next day and no one, not even the nuns, expected him to be there.
Timmy went on to attend Adirondack Community College and Siena College, majoring in accounting. Shortly after college he worked briefly as an orderly at Albany Medical Center. He often remarked that everyone should work in healthcare, for at least a brief period, so they can see how things work and appreciate the stress of being a provider.
Timmy and Karen were married on June 9, 1973, at Church of St. Peter in Saratoga Springs. If that date sounds familiar, it is also the date Secretariat won the Triple Crown. Luckily, the reception was at Siros so attendees watched the race on TV.
Timmy worked for 30 years at AT&T. He started as a clerk but after a few years was transferred to White Plains where he became a computer programmer and project manager. He was sent back to Albany in 1988 as a project manager. Timmy loved his work family at AT&T especially Joe and Kathy Pickett who remained friends for life. In 1998, Timmy was transferred to Manhattan where he had a small condo in Westchester and commuted home on weekends. Timmy was working from home on 9/11 when he watched the Twin Towers fall just a block from his office on Church St. In 2002, Timmy took “early retirement” from AT&T and started working for New York State as a telecommunication specialist, first at the Office of Children and Family Services in Rensselaer, and then for the Office of Temporary Disability Assistance in downtown Albany. After moving to South Glens Falls, in 2013, Timmy continued to commute to Albany on the early bus where he made many friends among the other passengers. Timmy finally retired completely in April 2017 because, as he put it, he had a dog to take care of.
Timmy loved animals and had many dogs and cats over the years, all rescues, including Butch, Boo, Puff, Rusty, Tegan, Sarah and Kyra.
Timmy was an avid runner who completed many half marathons. He helped to inspire his daughter, Mary Beth, to run, and went to as many of her runs he could get to, usually with signs and a cow bell or two. One of the happiest weekends for Timmy was when Mary Beth ran the 2025 Boston Marathon, in his honor. She raised over $22,000 for pancreatic cancer research (Project Purple). Timmy was overwhelmed by all the people who donated in his name. Thank you. It meant so much.
Timmy’s greatest support, pride, happiness and joy came from his family. Timmy loved spending time with Mary Beth and his grandchildren, Brenna and Nolan Timothy. He was so proud of the accomplishments of these two. He went to every school concert and sporting event. He attended their Baptisms and First Communions. In May 2025 he was so thrilled to be able to attend Brenna’s Confirmation. He was a frequent babysitter and was often at the bus stop or at the high school to be sure they got home or to a doctor’s appointment or practice or wherever they needed to be. Mary Beth, Nolan and Brenna loved to come over and watch the British Baking show with Grandpa and Grandma. It wasn’t until Timmy got sick that we all realized how much we relied on him for his day to day support.
There is nothing Timmy would not do for his daughter, Mary Beth. Timmy often wondered at how much his life changed when that little girl came into our home. He was so proud of his “Pumpkin Pie.” Usually he just called her “Pump.” He beamed with pride at every one of Mary Beth’s accomplishments and avidly followed her running events and training. He was always there for her. Mary Beth was always there for her Dad-right there, until the end.
Timmy loved traveling. Often on cruises. He went on at least 40 cruises. He especially loved European cruises and cruises to Bermuda and the Caribbean. He read voraciously on his cruises and was happy to just lounge for hours immersed in a book. He cruised with Karen and they stayed in anything from an inside cabin to an owners suite. They usually cruised as a couple but also had memorable family cruises. He loved them all. He also loved his more conventional trips to London and Ireland as well as many trips to places in the US.
Timmy was a Giants fan. Sometimes they let him down. Well, more than sometimes. But he remained ever hopeful and loyal.
When he was younger, Timmy was an avid golfer. During his lifetime he had four (4) verified/witnessed holes in one. He belonged to McGregor Golf Club for many years. He also enjoyed playing at Saratoga National. He especially enjoyed playing with his friend Mike Pratt. When Mike and he stopped playing regularly, they continued their friendly rivalry by picking players at the Majors. Mike seemed to always win.
Timmy loved family get togethers especially the Butler Christmas and the Butler annual dinner at the Lake George Club. Timmy also enjoyed Thanksgiving and Christmas with Karen’s family.
Timmy supported his wife when she announced at age 41 that she wanted to go to law school! Timmy took over most of the duties around the house including shopping for groceries, cooking and laundry. He was the only person in the household that could fold a fitted sheet. He was Karen’s support and, whenever he could, attended her jury trials. He was proud of every thing she did.
Timmy always said he fell in love with Karen the first time he saw her at a St. Clement’s dance when he was fourteen. He would walk Karen home in high school singing old fashioned love songs like Misty and The Sweetheart Tree. Timmy had a beautiful voice that he reserved for his family. He worked so hard just to be sure we were happy and taken care of. Even when he was dying, he tried so hard to stay alive and to not be a burden to us. He was willing to try any therapy available. We are heartsick.
Timmy was pre-deceased by his parents, Jack and Betty Butler and his brothers Terry Butler and Barry Butler as well as by his sister-in-law, Janet Butler. Timmy is survived by his wife Karen whom he married in 1973, his daughter Mary Beth Bozogian (AJ), grandchildren Brenna Bozogian and Nolan Bozogian, sisters Deborah McLaughlin and Barbara Rothe (Stephen), brother Jack Butler, sister-in-law, Sandra Butler, sister-in-law Cathleen Yakush and brother-in-law, John Tighe (Joyce) as well as several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the kind staff of Malta Urgent Care who found the tumor when he presented for possible pneumonia. They were so understanding and offered support and guidance, helping us get through one of the worst days of our lives. We would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to pulmonologist, Dr. Rodney Ying, who was always there for us and graciously responded to our frequent texts. He would drop everything to see us and gave Timmy the support and encouragement to keep putting one step in front of the other. We will never forget it. Timmy’s primary, Dr. Michael Greenblatt was knowledgeable and reassuring. The people at NYOH were wonderful, especially his oncologist, Dr. Lisinschi, who was honest but compassionate throughout. The oncology nurses were efficient, but kind. We would like to thank the wonderful nurses of Saratoga Hospital, A3, who never wavered in their kindness, support and nursing expertise. We also wished to thank Deanna Veet, NP of Palliative Care as well as the pulmonologists: Doctors Ying, Jogani and Rashid for their medical expertise, kindness and support even when delivering unwelcome news. We would like to thank Dana Farber, Dr. Brandon Huffman’s team especially Carolyn Goldhammer, RN Infusion Nurse, for being our fiercest advocate, and Lauren Ritterband, RN, for her knowledge, support and encouragement. We also thank Hospice for their support especially Alice who was there the last day.
We would especially like to thank the wonderful and supportive staff of Hilton Garden Inn Boston Brookline. They were always there with compassion and made us feel welcome and supported when going to medical visits. Alan Montalvo, Shuttle Van Driver, was wonderful getting Timmy in and out of the van for his frequent Dana Farber appointments. His kindness will never be forgotten.
The communicants of St. Peter’s asked about Timmy every week and said frequent prayers for him. Karen’s colleagues at Maynard O’Connor were so accommodating, covering for Karen and supporting her as much as they could, especially Kelly Monroe, Scott Adelmann, Robert Rausch, Jim Schultz and Kim Goodfriend.
We’d like to thank the wonderful staff of Saratoga Pet Resort for providing Kyra with the love and support she needed when she could not be with her favorite human, Timmy.
Timmy’s sister, Debbie McLaughlin, also a nurse, was very kind and frequently visited, called daily and even helped put the walker together. When Timmy came home on Hospice, Debbie was there every single day, providing hands on care all day and, sometimes, all night. Our words cannot adequately express our gratitude for her selfless support.
We would like to thank the many other friends and family members who were unfailingly there for us. Cathy Yakush was always able to get Timmy a doctor’s appointment and went with him to many medical visits. As a GI nurse, she knew much about the disease of pancreatic cancer and was a great help. She was also there to offer support, 4a good laugh or to spend the day while Karen was at work. She was at the bedside frequently when Timmy was in the hospital and when home, on Hospice. John Tighe was available to help anytime and was frequently called upon to watch the dog, Kyra, who has “separation anxiety!” Timmy’s brother, Jackie, flew all the way from Florida for a surprise visit, and ended up staying and watching golf with Timmy helping him to feel a little “normal” at least for a day. Barbara offered to help with anything we needed and stopped over for visits. Mike Pratt was especially sensitive and helped Timmy to just feel normal. He called frequently with book recommendations, funny (often inappropriate stories), golf picks and streaming recommendations. Toward the end, Mike Pratt was there, helping Karen navigate Timmy’s bill paying system. Michele Mincher and the “Book Group” constantly offered support. Michele was making sure Karen had food during the time Timmy was home.
AJ, Mary Beth’s husband, would do anything he could to help including walking the dog, shoveling or rushing over with a recliner when Timmy had breathing problems. And, without doubt, Brenna and Nolan, who were so kind, supportive and always made Timmy smile.
And, of course, Mary Beth. She was ever present and always there for us. She was the person who wiped her Mom’s tears and rushed over when her dad couldn’t breathe or we were near collapse. Thank you, Mary Beth, for everything. We love you more than words can say.
Relatives and friends are invited to call from 4-7 ppm on Thursday December 4, 2025 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am on Friday, December 5, 2025 in the Historic Church of St. Peter, 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Burial will follow in the family plot in St. Peter’s Cemetery 150 West.
SOUTH GLENS FALLS, NY- Dennis Timothy Butler Timmy of South Glens Falls, NY, passed away November 23, 2025, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was with his wife, Karen, and his daughter, Mary Beth by his side, holding his hands. He died at home, Born in Albany, NY,
