IN MEMORIAM:  Zell Allen Butler, 74;

Electrical Contractor Retired In Oneonta

ONEONTA – Zell Allen Butler, 74, of Oneonta, an electrical contractor who for many years owned and operated Zell Butler Contractors Inc. in West Hartford, Conn., passed away Thursday, Sept.14, 2017, at the VA Hospital, Albany.

He was born July 8, 1943, in Herkimer the son of the late Zell and Edith Louise (Yule) Butler.

He served in the Army during the Vietnam War.

On March 22, 1985, Zell married Susan Wheeler in Wethersfield, Conn.

He loved electrical contracting, and enjoyed teaching related skills to students.

Zell enjoyed boating, fishing and kayaking, serving as a past commodore of the Middlesex Yacht Club in Chester, Conn.

He was an accomplished wood worker and loved remodeling projects. He raised, showed and finished German shepherds. But Zell’s greatest joy was his family. He loved spending time with them.

Zell is survived by his wife, Sue Butler of Oneonta; five children, Jessica Campbell and husband Sean of Plymouth, Conn., Kris Butler of Bantam, Conn., Melanie Butler of Boston, Sarah Butler, Burlington, Conn. and Lance Butler and wife Nancy of Manchester, Conn.; two sisters, Sylvia Vaughn and husband Jim of Jacksonville, Fla. and Shirley Seyboth of Voorheesville; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his brother, George Butler.

Graveside memorial services with military honors will be at 1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 23, in the Highland Rural Cemetery, Jordanville.

For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 100 Lomond Court, Utica, NY 13502, in loving memory of Zell Allen Butler.

To light a candle or send an online condolence, please visit www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com.

Funeral arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home of Oneonta.