Obituary of Robert Manley Button I

Robert Manley Button I

April 12, 1929-June 20, 2020

Robert Manley Button I, age 91, died at home on Saturday while recuperating from surgery. A proud Syracuse University graduate, he spent his entire adult life in the Syracuse area. He was a devoted father of five, with ten grandchildren, including three Syracuse University graduates. He wore SU garb every day of his life.

He served as an Army staff sergeant in the Second Infantry Division of the 38th Regiment. He held the Infantry Combat Badge, Korean Service Ribbon, two distinguished unit citations, two Battle Stars, and the Bronze Star. He flew to Washington D. C. in 2018 as a Korean War Honor Flight recipient, accompanied by his son Robert II.

He attended Syracuse University on the GI Bill, where he obtained a degree in business administration in 1957. He worked as an accountant for Continental Can, before becoming self-employed, running various businesses throughout his career. He was a longtime fitness enthusiast, who worked out daily up until the last few months of his life.

Perhaps what will be remembered most about him, was his selfless dedication to his family. In fact, at any family gathering, be it a Sunday brunch or a milestone birthday celebration, Robert was behind his camera capturing candid moments. Hundreds of treasured family moments have been documented through his many years of photography. What will be remembered more, was the smile behind the camera as he looked upon the beautiful family he cherished.

He was predeceased by his parents, Edna Ruth Miller Button and Manley Brayton Button, sister Eleanor, and son John Brayton Button. He is survived by his companion of 33 years, Linda Fix, his daughters, Maxine (Craig) Babcock, Sally Mitchell, sons, Robert (Mary) Button II, and Patrick Button, his grandchildren, Brandon (RaiLei), Matthew, and Robert Button III, William Robert Mitchell, Elizabeth Mitchell (A.J.) Cumbo, and Stephen Mitchell, and Grace, Katherine and Holly Babcock, and Jeffrey Button, his great-grandchildren, Damyn, James, and Cyrus Manley Button who is due in October.

An outdoor  service  will be held at McLean Cemetery, in McLean NY, on July 5th at 2pm. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jimmy Fund.

Jan Maloff Funeral Director