One of the last of the Easterwood Park Boys, Richard Lee Butler passed away on Sunday, July 20.
The Pikesville resident and entrepreneur, who was a devoted member and volunteer at Temple Emanuel for many years, was 93.
Butler was a contributor to Temple Emanuel — which in 2016 was absorbed by Baltimore Hebrew Congregation — as well as other organizations supporting Jewish causes, animal abuse prevention and the military.
“Many happy memories of Richard at Temple Emanuel,” posted Temple Emanuel’s Rabbi Gustav Buchahl, with his wife Sheila, on the website of Sol Levinson & Bros. “No task was too onerous.”
In his youth, Butler was a member of the Easterwood Park Boys, a West Baltimore neighborhood group of predominantly young Jewish men who participated in sports and social activities, and eventually founded a fraternal and philanthropic organization.
“The degree to which the neighborhood remained at the center of Jewish life is, perhaps, another example of how small-town Baltimore differed from other cosmopolitan cities,” wrote Eric L. Goldstein and Deborah R. Weiner in “On Middle: Ground: A History of the Jews of Baltimore” (Johns Hopkins University Press). “Individuals who became doctors, lawyers, nurses and pharmacists stayed intensely loyal to their neighorhood-based Jewish community. Reunion groups such as the JEA Alumni, the Easterwood Park Boys, and the East Baltimore Boys helped to bind Baltimore Jewry even as their members found success outside the ethnic economy.”
Wrote Butler’s family: “Richard was a devoted family man who always put his loved ones first, especially his beloved wife, Cecelia, whose care and well-being remained his top priority. He gave generously of his time and resources, volunteering for several years with Temple Emanuel and proudly participating as a member of the Brotherhood.
“Richard was known for his kind heart and quiet generosity, donating faithfully to numerous charitable organizations each year. A proud veteran, he was drafted into the Air Force and remained deeply connected to his roots as a member of the Easterwood Boys Club. His life was a testament to loyalty, service, and love for family.”
Butler is survived by his wife, Cecelia Rose Butler (nee Blitzer); children, Eydie Siegel, Stacy (Richard) Teitelman and Marcy Gamerman; grandchildren, Amanda Gamerman (Roy Ksantini) , David (Alanna) Gamerman, Adam (Julia) Teitelman, Alex Teitelman, Erica Siegel and Sam Siegel; and great-grandchildren, Carson and Lihi.
He was predeceased by his brother, Charles (Rona) Butler; and his parents, Betty and David Butler.
Services will be held Tuesday, July 22, at 2 p.m. at Beth Tfiloh Cemetery, 5660 Windsor Mill Road in Baltimore. Contributions in Richard Butler’s memory may be sent to Baltimore Hebrew Congregation, 7401 Park Heights Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21208.
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