Albany, NY Edward F. Butler, 87, passed away peacefully on Veterans Day, November 11, 2011 at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Albany with his loving wife, Connie, at his side. Born in Poultney, Vt he was the son of the late James and Anna (Flynn) Butler. He was predeceased by his sisters Frances Van Zandt of Colonie, NY and Jane Butler of Poultney, VT. Ed graduated from Poultney High in 1942 and Siena College in 1952 with a degree in Economics and Marketing. He was a veteran of the US Naval Air Force and served his country honorably in the South Pacific during World War II aboard the USS Lexington. Ed was employed by the former Havens Electric Supply Co. of Albany and General Electric as Territory Manager of the Capital Region retiring in 1989. Ed and his family are avid Siena fans. He was a season ticket holder for more than 25 years. Ed established a scholarship fund to benefit Siena business students from the Capital District and Vermont. Ed is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Colleen (White) Butler. He was the devoted father of James E. Butler of Bethlehem, NY, Maureen A (James) Murray of Bethlehem, NY and Colleen M. (John) Fortune of Saratoga Springs, NY. He was the cherished grandfather of Lisa and Lauren Murray and Kathryn and Stephanie Fortune. Also surviving him were several nieces and nephews and dear cousins Margaret Butler of Albany, Helen (Robert) Jaros of Princeton, NJ and Mary Hoagland of Ohio. The family would like to give a special thanks to Jim Dunlap of Poultney, VT for his many years of devotion and service to Ed & Connie and the family home. Further thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff of the VA Hospital and Albany Medical Center for their kindness, compassion and care. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Thursday from 5:00 to 8:00 at the Roberts-Aubin Funeral Home, 266 Allen Ave., Poultney, VT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 Friday at St John the Baptist Catholic Church, Main Street, Castleton, VT with Rev. Henry P. Furman, pastor, as celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Raphaels Catholic Cemetery with full military honors followed by a gathering at the Fair Haven Inn. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Ed and Colleen Butler Scholarship Fund c/o Siena College, 515 Loudon Rd., Loudonville, NY 12211. For directions or to sign the online family guestbook, visit robertsaubinfuneralhome.com Arrangements are under the direction of Roberts-Aubin Funeral Home, 266 Allen Ave., Poultney, VT .