Obituary of Robert J. Butler

Robert J. Butler, 88, of Farmingdale passed away surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, January 7, 2024.  He was born in Jersey City, NJ and raised in North Bergen, NJ.  He resided in Howell Township with his wife of 66 years and four months Janet (Culler) Butler where they raised their five children.

He proudly served his country in the US Army.  While stationed in Dearborn, MI, he met and married his wife.  Upon his discharge, he followed in his father's and grandfather’s footsteps as an apprentice with Pipefitters Local Union 274. He quickly ascended through the ranks as a foreman, a general foreman, and finally field supervisor. Bob pursued his lifelong dream of starting his own firm when he formed Jersey Mechanical Contractors, Inc.  In 1998 he moved the firm to Farmingdale NJ where it operates today.  He served on the Howell Township Planning Committee and Board of Adjustment, St. Mary’s of the Lake Parish Council, Lector at Holy Family Church and St. Catherine of Sienna Building Committee.

Robert was predeceased by his parents John and Nancy (Lohmeyer) Butler, infant children John Edward, Robert Jay and John David Butler, grandson Shayne Robert Tetrault, and sister Gail (Butler) Bernardine.  He is survived by his wife Janet and five children; Krista and Mark Dietrich, Jana and Mark Tetrault, Nicole and Michael Federici, Tara and John Dodaro, and Robert and Caren Butler; Fifteen grandchildren Greg and Briana Dietrich, Brendan Rashley and Dilini Peiris, Kyle and Diana Rashley, Zachary and Kelsey Dietrich, Elise Tetrault, Kasey and Matthew Doyle, Nicolas Dietrich, Calista Dodaro, Cristal Tetrault, John Anthony Dodaro, Patrick Federici, Jack Butler, Jillian Tetrault, and Ella Dodaro; seven great grandchildren Lyla Tetrault, Shayden Peiris, Charlotte Reiss, Benjamin Rashley, Tanner Dietrich, Carmen Doyle, and Belle Rashley; Sister Joan Rothhammer; beloved in laws, nieces and nephews.

He was a devout Catholic and member of St. Catherine of Siena Church for more than 50 years.  He often said his greatest accomplishment was the family that he and Janet created.  They instilled the importance of love, family, faith in God and country.   He enjoyed fishing, boating, and winters in Florida, but his greatest joy remained his family.

Visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his 11:00 AM Funeral Mass on Thursday, January 11, 2024 at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 31 Asbury Road, Farmingdale. For information, directions, or to leave condolence messages to the family, please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com