By KATHY CHANG
Staff Writer
OLD BRIDGE — Longtime Ward 3 Councilman Reginald “Reggie” Butler passed away last week after a long illness.
“Reggie loved his family and the residents of Old Bridge, and they all loved him [back],” said Mark Razzoli, chairman of the Old Bridge Township Democratic Party.
Butler, 75, a retired campaign director for the United Way of Monmouth County, passed away on June 7. Elected in 1989, Butler was the longest serving councilman, having served six consecutive terms.
“Reggie was all about commitment … if you reached out to him, he would always return your call and he was always there to help people,” said Razzoli.
Butler was known for his annual breakfasts representing his ward, which includes the Madison Township section of the township.
“Reggie was a people person … he always represented the entire community and would always welcome anybody,” said Razzoli.
Mayor Owen Henry said he was saddened by the news of Butler’s passing and added that his thoughts and prayers are with Butler’s family during this most difficult time.
“Reggie was a true public servant in every sense of the word,” he said. “He was always willing to assist his constituents in any way he could.”
Henry said Butler’s good nature and professional demeanor allowed him to rise above partisan politics. Butler had been the lone Democrat on the Township Council for a couple of years.
“Reggie always supported good government and voted accordingly,” said Henry. “He leaves a long legacy of dedicated, enthusiastic and compassionate service to the Township of Old Bridge and its residents — he will be missed.”
Council President Brian Cahill said he served with Butler for nine years on the Council.
“I found Reggie to be a true gentleman, who stayed true to Old Bridge Township,” he said. “He will be sorely missed.”
The longtime councilman’s term was to end in 2017. Razzoli said now is a time for grieving, but when the time comes, the Old Bridge Democratic Party will come together and move forward on the next steps to fill Butler’s seat on the Council.
Butler served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives and the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People).
He is predeceased by his wife, Donna Sullivan Butler, his parents, George and Louise Butler Jr., and his siblings, Louise Patrick, George Butler III, Joseph Butler, Christine Butler and Ronald Butler.
Surviving are his son Reginald Butler II, and his siblings, Harold Butler, Beverly Butler, Carol Hirsch, Mamie Lind Butler and Bruce Butler.
Funeral services for Butler will be held June 19 at the Carmen F. Spezzi Funeral Home in Parlin, with a private burial to follow on June 20 at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown, Burlington County.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations in Reggie’s name be made to the United Way of Monmouth County.