John "Ted" Butler
John "Ted" Butler, Skidmore's former director of financial planning and budgeting, died May 8, 2020, in Franklin, Tennessee. He was 91.
Ted joined Skidmore as assistant business manager in 1959, became comptroller in 1968, and was director of financial planning and budgeting from 1983 until his retirement in 1985.
He served during a transitional time in College history and played an important role in Skidmore's move from its former downtown location to its current campus. From the early 1970s until his retirement, Ted lived with his family in Scribner House, which later became the official residence of Skidmore's president.
"Ted was instrumental in the sale of the downtown campus. I learned much from him about the College, its finances and its history," recalled Karl Broekhuizen, former vice president for business affairs. "He was a good colleague who became a good friend."
Born December 26, 1928, in Watervliet, he served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and graduated from Siena College. A Saratoga Race Course enthusiast, Ted was active in multiple civic groups in Saratoga Springs and also served three terms as the city's commissioner of finance and five years on the Board of Education of the Saratoga Springs City School District.
Ted was predeceased by his wife Ellen; his brothers James and Gerald Butler; son-in-law Robert Topping and nephew Gary Butler. Survivors include his eight children, Denis Butler, Daniel Butler, Debra Topping, Dawn (Walter) Cassidy, Donna (Rick) Brayman, David (Peppy) Butler, Deidre (Ben) Eberle and Dean Butler; his brother Joe (Barbara) Butler; sisters-in-law Helen Butler and Leona Butler; 20 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Ted was buried at Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were handled by the William J. Burke and Sons/Bussing and Cunniff Funeral Home.