Ralph C. Buteau

Pawtucket - Ralph Charles Buteau, 90, of Pawtucket, passed away peacefully at The Philip Hulitar Center, with his family by his side, on May 30,2022. He was the beloved and devoted husband of Mary Lucy (King) for 65 years and the cherished father of Dianne Connor, and her husband Frank, of Naples Florida and LuAnn FitzGerald of West Roxbury, Massachusetts. He was the proud Grandpa of Garrett FitzGerald, and his fiancé Leigh Costello, of Dedham Massachusetts. A man of great faith, Ralph was a lifelong communicant of St. Leo the Great Church in Pawtucket, now St. John Paul Parish. Born in Central Falls, he was the son of Walter and Ella (Thelig) Buteau. Ralph attended Central Falls Schools and proudly served his country in the US Air Force during the Korean War. During that time, he was stationed for one year at Sparrevohn Air Force Base in rural and rugged Alaska, maintaining and monitoring radar equipment designed to protect the US from attacks by enemy forces. Upon his honorable discharge from the Air Force, he married the love of his life, started a family, attended Johnson and Wales University on the GI Bill, and earned an Associates Degree. For 36 years he worked as a Field Engineer for NCR Corporation. While raising his children Ralph and his wife were very active in the Pawtucket YMCA, serving on numerous boards and committees, in particular, those involving their Family and Competitive Swim Programs. During this time, Ralph was a member of the YMCA Squash Team and went on to serve as the President of the Rhode Island Squash Racquets Association. Upon his retirement from NCR, he and his wife wintered in North Ft. Myers, Florida and traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada, visiting nearly every U.S. State. A lifelong Red Sox fan, Ralph attended numerous pre season games in Ft. Myers and even into his late eighties, with the assistance of his daughter, LuAnn, attended regular season and post season games at Fenway Park. Ralph was an avid golfer, working after his retirement for 15 years at Herons Glen Country Club in Ft. Myers. During the summer he golfed with his brothers and golf buddies in leagues at Swansea Country Club. He shared and passed on his love of the game to his daughter, Dianne, his son in law Frank, and his grandson. Over the years they shared many beautiful and memorable days on the golf course. During his later years, as his mobility became more limited, he and his wife took up the hobby of making beautiful jigsaw puzzles which he would glaze, mount, and custom frame to present as gifts to his family and loved ones. These beautiful puzzles now adorn the walls of countless homes and offices in Rhode Island and throughout the country. Nothing gave Ralph greater joy than spending time with his family. His 90 years with us reflect a life well lived. He enthusiastically embraced every day and made the most of every moment. He will be missed by his family and loved ones more than any words can ever adequately express. In addition to his wife and daughters, he leaves a dear brother, William of Warwick, his wonderful Godchildren, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews whom he adored. He was preceded in death by his brothers Arthur, Walter, Earl, Robert, and Joseph, and by his sister, Marjorie Whetstone. VISITATION will be held on morning of Tuesday, June 7th from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at WILLIAM W. TRIPP Funeral Home 1008 Newport Ave., Pawtucket. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m. in St. Cecilia Church (St. John Paul II Parish), 755 Central Ave., Pawtucket. Interment with Military Honors will be at Mount Saint Mary Cemetery. TRIPPFUNERALHOME.com

Ralph C. Buteau

August 25, 1931 - May 30, 2022