Richard Anthony Butera, 75, of the Town of Niagara, passed away on Tuesday, October 4th, 2016 at his home, after a very courageous battle with cancer and kidney disease. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Diana J. Butera; daughter Kimberly Ann Spriggs, whom he was extremely proud of, and his grandson Michael Morgan Spriggs who he adored; and a truly wonderful son-in-law Michael Spriggs.
Born in Niagara Falls, NY, he was the son of the late John and Flora (LaPorta) Butera. He graduated from Niagara Falls High School and earned an Associate's Degree at Niagara County Community College in Sanborn, NY. He later graduated from the Police Academy School in Buffalo, NY. During the Vietnam War he served in the U.S. Army in Korea as a teletype operator from December 10, 1963 until his honorable discharge on November 30, 1969. On July 3, 1970 he married his loving wife, Diana, in the Town of Niagara.

Richard was employed by the Carborundum Co. and later as a railroad police officer for Baltimore and Ohio (B & O) Railroad working throughout Western New York and Canada. Richard was also employed as an automobile salesman with various area dealerships including the former Jim Doyle Ford and former Kane-Doyle Jeep both in Kenmore, NY.

Richard loved traveling with his wife and avoiding the winter weather. In the beautiful weather, he looked forward to going on trips to the hunting camp. One of the best and most recent memories for him, was a gifted trip to the Atlantis, Bahamas where he was able to spend valuable time with his grandson.

Richard's amazing and loyal friends were a very important part of Richard's life. His wit and sense of humor touched the lives of everyone he knew. Richard and Diana were and are gifted with great family and friends and they are so grateful of that. Richard will be sadly missed, but never forgotten.

Richard is also survived by his sister, Carmela (late Anthony) Alati and was known to his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews as Uncle Dickie. He was an extremely lucky man these nieces and nephews loved, supported and rallied around him constantly. He was also the brother-in-law of Gary (Ginger) Pilato and was predeceased by four brothers, Charles (Dolly) Butera, Angelo (Patricia) Butera, Albert Butera, Valentino (Peggy) Butera and his sister Rose (devoted brother-in-law Thomas) Galbo. He is also survived by his father-in-law, Angelo (Lois) Pilato and was predeceased by his mother-in-law Edna Pilato.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 6th from 6 – 9 P.M. at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, where funeral services will follow on Friday at 10:00 A.M. Entombment with Military Honors will be held in St. Joseph Cemetery. If desired, memorial donations may be made to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport, NY.