William A. Buttner

William A. Buttner

April 6, 1961 – December 3, 2022

William A. Buttner (Wil) was raised in Spencerport, NY by his mother, Laura “Chris” Stettner Buttner and Arthur “Bud” Buttner.

He is survived by his loving wife Catherine Buttner, his daughter Caitlin, and grandson, Dorian.   He leaves behind his brother Brian (Lisa), his Mother-in –Law, Loretta Deaton and Father-in-Law Ion Deaton, his sister-in-law’s, Teresa (David), Lorraine (Jack), Patricia (Donny).  His brother-in-law’s, James (Kim), Patrick (Sue), Michael (Mary Lou) and Brian (Carrie).  Also, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Wil was an active child who loved to climb out of his crib.  To safeguard the baby, his brother’s bed was pushed next to the crib.  Wil was unhurt but Brian dreaded being woken up by the baby falling on him.  In elementary school Wil came down with Perthes disease and had to be on crutches on one foot for 4 years.  This did not slow him down.  The crutches made his stride twice as long. This kept him out of school sports until he started on the swim team in high school. There he developed his love for the water and scuba diving.  He also did competitive Disco Dancing in High School.

High School was also where he started to collect friends from all walks of life.  He supported his friends from bullying and he honored his father’s words that “You never start a fight, but be prepared to end one.”  He also spent time with his grandmother Martha (his father’s mother) learning some closely guarded family recipes.

Wil was a gamer and started with Dungeon’s and Dragon’s.  Gaming made him happy and gave him even more friends. He also liked sports cars and once owned a “used” Porche 924-S, Mustang convertible and Audi Quatro turbo.

After high school, Wil went to the Florida Institute of Technology for a brief time, for Marine Biology.  He moved around and attended several colleges.  He also attended Bartender school to help finance his college years.  During this time, he met his wife, Cathy at the University Of Maryland (UMD). He finalized his schooling at Ithaca College with a bachelor of Computer Science Degree.

After completing Ithaca College, he worked for Lockheed Martin for an extended time.  He initially loved the secrecy and vetting that went with the job, but later regretted his involvement in “weapons of war”.

Wil has always had a passion for helping people and became a Rotary member in 2006.  Just this last year he finished his 2nd term as President of the Dryden Rotary.  He was also the District Chair for Polio.  He was proud to achieve a Paul Harris award and was a +3 Foundation Award Recipient.

Wil initially came to the Dryden area to help his brother Brian. Brian is an architect and Wil helped as his office assistant and also doing some of the contracting on the buildings. He used his building skills to renovate the house at 6 Main St, in Freville with his new wife Cathy.   They were in the midst of renovations on their new home in Dryden, when Wil passed away.

Wil came from a long line of card players and Friday night was usually reserved for playing Euchre with Cathy, Brian and Lisa.  He also loved cheese. He taught his daughter, Caitlin about cheese when he worked at Gourmet’s Delight and he had just started to teach his Grandson, Dorian, about the different kinds of cheese.

Even though Wil’s life was rich and complex, his imagination was huge.  He could tell some fantastic stories, some pure fantasy and some alleged true for many years until discovered otherwise. He was always there for everyone.  If you needed something he was there for you.  If you needed a ride at 11pm he would come out in the cold to get you.  He gave his friends advice and he ways had a smile for everyone.  Most of the nearby restaurants knew his drink order and where he liked to sit.  If he was in a store and saw something that reminded him of you, he would pick it up and give it to you.

Please come to pay respects and share your memories of Wil on Friday, December 16th at Perkins Funeral Home in Dryden. 10 am to 11 am Calling Hours, 11 am Funeral. A Celebration of Life to follow at the Dryden VFW.

We will always remember his smile and his giving nature.  Rest in Peace, Wil.  We love you always. -