HAMPDEN – Benjamin Joseph Butera, 85, passed away peacefully June 2, 2012, at a Bangor health care facility. Benjamin was born Feb. 26, 1927, in Bangor, to the late Lorenzo and Carmela (Capostagno) Butera.
Ben grew up and was educated in Bangor before enlisting in the U.S. Navy and serving his country during World War II. Upon returning from the war, Ben owned and operated Butera Sunoco Service Station, Million Mile Muffler Shop and a fuel oil business in Brewer. One of Ben’s greatest passions was flying. He was an avid pilot and a member of Quiet Birdmen Flying Club. He was a faithful communicant of St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, a member of Pine Cone Council No. 114 Knights of Columbus of Bangor and a life member of Whitcomb-Baker Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 4633, Hampden. Ben will be remembered as a loving husband, brother, uncle and friend.
Ben is survived by his wife of 46 years, Norma L. (Bridges) Butera of Hampden; brother, Larry Butera and wife, Alvina, of Bangor; two sisters, Vivian McKenna of Bangor, and Carmela Spencer and husband, Robert, of Canada; three sisters-in-law, Anna of Brewer, Rose of Hermon, and Nonie of Bangor; two brothers-in-law, Alfred and George Bridges of Unity; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. Ben was predeceased by his parents; and three brothers, Raymond, Joseph and Charles.
Family and friends may visit 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 6, at Hampden-Gilpatrick Funeral Home, 45 Western Ave., Hampden. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Thursday, June 7, at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, 70 Western Ave., Hampden. Interment with military honors will be immediately after the funeral Mass at Mount Pleasant Catholic Cemetery, Bangor. Memorial contributions in Ben’s honor may be made to National M.S. Society, 74 Gray Road, Falmouth, ME 04105. Messages of condolence and memories may be shared through
www.hampdengilpatrick.com.