Ex-Assemblymember Denis J. Butler dies

Denis J. Butler, a lifelong resident of Astoria and a retired member of the New York State Legislature, passed away on October 14.
Butler was born on July 26, 1927 the fourth son of Denis and Annie Butler and is predeceased by his parents and brothers Brian, John, Thomas and Matthew.
From an early age his commitment to serving the community was evident, as a 20-year volunteer with the Lighthouse for the Blind and serving as president of the St. Joseph’s Home School Association, a member of the Holy Name Society, Parish Council and from 1970-2000 as Democratic District Leader.
In April 1976 Butler was first elected to the New York State Assembly, where he served the 36th Assembly District including Astoria and Long Island City for 24 years, with victories in every Assembly election. He rose to the position of Assistant Speaker Pro Tempore in 1993 and as a full-time legislator, served on the Rules, Aging, Economic Development, Labor and Oversight, Analysis and Investigations Committees and on the Joint Budget Conference Committee’s Subcommittee on Higher Education, which helped to maintain and increase funding for higher education. Butler served as Chair of the Assembly Subcommittee on the Special Problems of the Aging. He retired from public service in December 2000.
Through his advocacy and legislation, Butler was an advocate for the elderly, disabled, unborn and military veterans. For nearly 25 years in the legislature he was an advocate for and proponent of funding for the Maternity and Early Childhood Foundation, to promote alternatives to abortion.
“Denis Butler was a unique individual,” said Bill Driscoll, chief of staff starting in 1976. “A kind and gentle man and yet a fighter for his constituents in LIC and Astoria. He was a gentleman’s politician who was known as leader for senior citizen rights. He was a strong advocate for the blind. He was responsible for the MTA putting the rough paint on the edge of the subway platform to alert the visual impaired that the platform was ending.”
In 1988, Butler was recipient of the Brooklyn Diocese’s Pro Vita Award, presented by Bishop Francis J. Mugavero in recognition of his efforts on behalf of the unborn and in support of life. In 1992, he received the New York State Catholic Conference Public Policy Award, presented by John Cardinal O’Connor and the Bishops of New York State for his work in support of the Maternity and Early Childhood Foundation.
In 2009, Butler was knighted into the Papal Order of Saint Gregory the Great in Brooklyn’s St. James Cathedral Basilica by Bishop Nicholas DiMarzo.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Mary, three children Kathleen, Denis and Thomas, daughter-in-law Lisa and four loving grandchildren.
Arrangements were handled by the Thomas M. Quinn & Sons Funeral Home in Long Island City. Funeral services took place at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, Long Island City, with burial at Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Denis Butler to: Ozanam Hall, 42-41 201st Street, Bayside, NY 11361.