Anthony Donald Butler, a vibrant, light-filled son, brother, nephew, cousin, and dear friend to so many, was born on May 9, 1977, in Albany, NY, to Sally Centanni and Todd Butler. He passed away suddenly on March 14, 2025, at his home in Wilmington, NC, at the age of 47.
Anthony was raised by his beloved mother, Sally, his adoring grandmother, Dorothy, and supported and loved by his aunts Connie (Bonesteel), Ann (Winters), and Maria Centanni, and his uncle, Mike Centanni. He grew up alongside many cousins, who loved him immensely and considered him a brother. Anthony met Scott Hickock, who became like a brother to him for the rest of his life in 1981, when he was four years old. Anthony was a lifelong member of Raymertown Lutheran Church, baptized there in 1977, confirmed in 1990, and almost never missed a Christmas Eve service, where he loved seeing familiar faces and singing Christmas hymns.
Above all, Anthony cherished time spent with his devoted, precious mother, Sally, for whom his birth was a miracle and the greatest joy. He lived a life full of love, laughter, and light, and his compassion was boundless. He had the ability to light up any space with his infectious smile and sense of humor, and he had the gift of ensuring that all those around him felt welcomed, valued, and treasured. His joyful presence will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.
Anthony graduated from Shenendehowa High School in Clifton Park in 1995, and he attended Paul Smith’s College in the Adirondacks, receiving his Associate’s Degree in Business and Hospitality in 1997. He went on to receive a Bachelor’s of Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Anthony went to work at the Eagle Point Golf Course in Wilmington, NC, in 2005, where he started his career as a chef and went on to become an executive chef. He was treasured by coworkers and known for bringing laughter and camaraderie to all he worked alongside.
Lovingly known as Tony by many friends and coworkers, he found joy in the simple pleasures in life. He loved nature and animals, especially his beloved black lab, Elvis, who predeceased him. He grew beautiful gardens, cared for the birds in his yard, enjoyed visiting the Saratoga Race Course every summer, going to the beach, ocean fishing, downhill skiing, golfing, attending basketball games and concerts, and singing karaoke. His signature karaoke tune, “Werewolves of London,” will hold a special place in the hearts of many cousins and friends forever. Anthony’s passion for music set the soundtrack for his beautiful, adventurous spirit and life.
Anthony was preceded in death by his father, Todd Butler, and is survived by his mother, Sally Centanni, and many other family members and friends. May all who loved him find healing and peace in the love, amazing good times, simple quiet times, and the many beautiful memories we have of him. In true Anthony fashion, he has given us a farewell gift of lessons to be learned from his generosity, love, and fond memories.
A memorial service to celebrate Anthony’s life will be held at the Raymertown Lutheran Church, 27 Mason Lane, Troy, NY, on Saturday, April 12, at 11:30 a.m. Friends are invited to greet his family from 10:30 -11:15 a.m., prior to the service. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Anthony’s memory to the Raymertown Lutheran Church or The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Surf City, NC.
Anthony was raised by his beloved mother, Sally, his adoring grandmother, Dorothy, and supported and loved by his aunts Connie (Bonesteel), Ann (Winters), and Maria Centanni, and his uncle, Mike Centanni. He grew up alongside many cousins, who loved him immensely and considered him a brother. Anthony met Scott Hickock, who became like a brother to him for the rest of his life in 1981, when he was four years old. Anthony was a lifelong member of Raymertown Lutheran Church, baptized there in 1977, confirmed in 1990, and almost never missed a Christmas Eve service, where he loved seeing familiar faces and singing Christmas hymns.
Above all, Anthony cherished time spent with his devoted, precious mother, Sally, for whom his birth was a miracle and the greatest joy. He lived a life full of love, laughter, and light, and his compassion was boundless. He had the ability to light up any space with his infectious smile and sense of humor, and he had the gift of ensuring that all those around him felt welcomed, valued, and treasured. His joyful presence will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.
Anthony graduated from Shenendehowa High School in Clifton Park in 1995, and he attended Paul Smith’s College in the Adirondacks, receiving his Associate’s Degree in Business and Hospitality in 1997. He went on to receive a Bachelor’s of Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Anthony went to work at the Eagle Point Golf Course in Wilmington, NC, in 2005, where he started his career as a chef and went on to become an executive chef. He was treasured by coworkers and known for bringing laughter and camaraderie to all he worked alongside.
Lovingly known as Tony by many friends and coworkers, he found joy in the simple pleasures in life. He loved nature and animals, especially his beloved black lab, Elvis, who predeceased him. He grew beautiful gardens, cared for the birds in his yard, enjoyed visiting the Saratoga Race Course every summer, going to the beach, ocean fishing, downhill skiing, golfing, attending basketball games and concerts, and singing karaoke. His signature karaoke tune, “Werewolves of London,” will hold a special place in the hearts of many cousins and friends forever. Anthony’s passion for music set the soundtrack for his beautiful, adventurous spirit and life.
Anthony was preceded in death by his father, Todd Butler, and is survived by his mother, Sally Centanni, and many other family members and friends. May all who loved him find healing and peace in the love, amazing good times, simple quiet times, and the many beautiful memories we have of him. In true Anthony fashion, he has given us a farewell gift of lessons to be learned from his generosity, love, and fond memories.
A memorial service to celebrate Anthony’s life will be held at the Raymertown Lutheran Church, 27 Mason Lane, Troy, NY, on Saturday, April 12, at 11:30 a.m. Friends are invited to greet his family from 10:30 -11:15 a.m., prior to the service. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Anthony’s memory to the Raymertown Lutheran Church or The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Surf City, NC.