Jeffrey J. Butler

Jeffrey J Butler, 77, of Westborough, Massachusetts, died on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the UMASS Memorial Hospital after a short illness.

Born in Boston, he was the son of Dorothy B. Gilman and E. Earl Butler. Jeffrey was a gifted artist whose talent transformed simple pieces of wood into stunning bird sculptures admired in art galleries by many. His work has been featured in the National Decoy Show in New York as well as the Ward Foundation World Championship Carving Competition in Maryland. In his later years, he turned his creative eye toward the craft of wooden boat building, taking great pride in every intricate detail. Jeffrey also volunteered at the Tufts Wildlife Clinic, where he demonstrated his compassion for nature and animals by helping to enhance their habitats. It was there that he met his beloved longtime companion, Patricia Hill.

Jeffrey is survived by his devoted partner Patricia Hill; daughter Megan P. Grafton and her wife, Beth of Hubbardston; Dan Hill and wife, Kerry, of Berlin and his brother; Eric E. Butler and his wife, Mary of Mansfield. He is also survived by several nephews and nieces and many great nieces and nephews. Jeffrey is predeceased by his parents Dorothy B. and E. Earl Butler and stepfather Arthur E. Gilman. 

Burial in Pine Grove Cemetery will be private. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Tufts Wildlife Clinic, 50 Willard Street North Grafton, MA 01536.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at UMass for the kindness, compassion, and gentle humor they shared with Jeffrey during his final weeks.