Retired Norwood Fire Chief Harry J. Butler Passes Away After 38 Years of Dedicated Service-September 16, 1968

Retired Norwood Fire Chief Harry J. Butler, a fixture of local public safety who dedicated nearly four decades to protecting the community, passed away in his sleep on Saturday night at his home at 260 Dean St. He was 70 years old.

A 38-Year Rise Through the Fire Department Ranks

Chief Butler’s distinguished career with the Norwood Fire Department spanned 38 years, marked by steady advancement through the ranks:

• September 10, 1924: Appointed to the firefighting force.
• August 1, 1937: Promoted to Captain.
• February 14, 1954: Promoted to Deputy Chief.
• January 1, 1956: Appointed Fire Chief by the Board of Selectmen.
• October 5, 1962: Retired upon reaching his 65th birthday.

Born in Cambridge, Chief Butler resided in Norwood for 50 years. Beyond his local service, he was an active member of numerous professional and benevolent organizations, including the Norwood Permanent Firefighters Relief Association, the Massachusetts Permanent Firemen’s Association, the Massachusetts Permanent Firemen’s Benefit Association, the Massachusetts State Firemen’s Association, the New England Association of Fire Chiefs, and the Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts.

Funeral and Survivors

He is survived by two daughters, Sara G. Butler and Mrs. Mary J. Mulcahy, both of Norwood; two brothers, Lester Butler of Norwood and James Butler of New Jersey; and a sister, Mrs. Ellen Coleman of Quincy.

Visiting hours will be held at the Gillooly Funeral Home, 126 Walpole St., tonight from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. and tomorrow from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. A solemn high mass of requiem will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday at St. Catherine of Siena Church, followed by burial in Highland Cemetery.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger