Benedetto Butera

Benedetto Butera (Ben) passed away on March 27, 2021, at the age of 90. After serving in the US Army during the Korean War, Ben dedicated his career to the City of New York, serving first as a New York City Police officer for 6 years and then as a member of the New York City Fire Department for 32 years. 

Ben moved with his family to New Hyde Park in 1970. An active member of the community, he coached in the Glen Oaks Little League Association and volunteered at the local church as part of the Cardinal’s annual appeal. Ben was a lifelong Yankees fan and he loved playing softball for his firehouse team where he could display his legendary batting talent. He had the ability to clear a dance floor with his Latin dancing moves, and he entertained us with colorful stories from his life of service, including his encounter with Elvis Presley backstage at the Ed Sullivan Show while securing the venue as a police officer. 

In his later years, Ben was fortunate to meet his second wife, Dorisanne, at a Knights of Columbus event where they hit it off immediately on the dance floor. They spent their golden years together traveling and attending countless social and family functions.  

We will remember Ben for his humble and kind personality, his tenacity as a three-time cancer survivor, and his ability to make everyone around him feel loved and appreciated. 

Ben is survived by his beloved wife of 19 years, Dorisanne; his son, Thomas (Sara); his grandchildren Matthew and Nicholas; stepdaughters Daryle (Howard), Donna (Robert), and Dawn (Michael); numerous nieces and nephews and several step-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 27 years, Louise, and sisters Lucy and Angela.