Gary F. Butterfield, 79, Hannawa Falls

HANNAWA FALLS -- Gary F. Butterfield, 79, of 110 Postwood Road, unexpectedly passed away on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at his home.

Gary was born on April 11, 1944, in Potsdam, son of the late William and Jessie Theresa (Hatch) Butterfield and was a graduate of Parishville High School.

He married Susan Siedlecki on November 3, 1962, in Deferiet, NY, with whom he was blessed with two sons. The marriage ended in divorce.

Gary was a past member of the Potsdam Rotary Club, Agricultural Advisory Committee/Potsdam Central School and the St. Lawrence County Co-operative Extension Agricultural Program Committee. He was also a past Director of the St. Lawrence Co. Chapter of Triple A Auto Club, Director of Norfolk Town Development Cooperation and past member of St. Lawrence County Economic Advisory Council.

Gary began his working career as an apprentice butcher at Superior Beef Company in Potsdam before transitioning to a career in banking. Initially hired as a teller, Gary was promoted to Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager within five years.

A few promotions later, and Gary found himself as the Regional Vice President in charge of all operations for several bank branches, and others took notice.

Soon, Gary was recruited for an opportunity well-suited for his leadership acumen when the 1st National Bank of Norfolk recruited him as their Senior Vice President in charge of loans.

Gary’s successes are even more impressive knowing that banking was a second-job throughout his 40+ years, and a daily workday that was shoehorned in between the early morning and late evenings of his true passion… farming.

He took great pride in amassing a herd of hand-picked Holsteins to start his dairy operation which continued for over three decades, making him, arguably, the North Country’s most successful farming banker of his time.

When the time came for retirement, it was no surprise that Gary would once again choose a different road. Rather than choosing to slow down and enjoy a little rest and relaxation, he decided to start a timber business and ultimately become the produce manager for Save-A-Lot in Potsdam.

Gary is survived by his two sons, Tim (Cindy) Butterfield of Lexington, KY; and Gary “Jamie” (Lisa) Butterfield of Newark, NY; four grandchildren Kara, Jonathan, Colleen and Melissa; two step-grandchildren Aiden and Zachary; six great grandchildren; and his siblings, Don (Shirley) Butterfield and Nola Henry.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, William and Jessie, and two brothers, Duane and Darrell.

Friends may call at the Donaldson-Seymour Funeral Home Monday, April 15 from 2-4 PM where a funeral service will be held at 4 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gary’s memory to the Cooperative Extension Agricultural program at https://stlawrence.cce.cornell.edu/administration/donations.

Friends and family are encouraged to share memories and condolences online at www.donaldsonseymour.com.