Captain John Alden Butterfield (March 15, 1937-February 19, 2025)
Captain John Butterfield, US Navy (retired) passed away peacefully at home on February 19, 2025, with his wife Priscilla by his side. He was 87.
John was born in Elmira, NY and his family moved to Kinderhook, NY when he was 11. It was there that he built his fondest childhood memories swimming in Keuka Lake with his beloved brother, Norman. During this time, he was also greatly influenced by his Grandma Belle who always taught him to think of others first. He also developed a deep love of country and the desire to serve in our nation’s military. After high school, John was accepted to the US Naval Academy and graduated with the class of 1959. He graduated from flight school in 1961 and began a distinguished military career that spanned 30 years. He was truly an American hero and volunteered to join the vaunted “Black Ponies” of Navy Light Attack Squadron Four (VAL-4). The squadron flew the OV-10 Bronco aircraft in Vietnam, and quickly gained the reputation as the “can do” squadron willing to fly the most dangerous of missions. John was a cracker jack pilot and distinguished himself in combat, earning 21 Air Medals, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Bronze Star with Combat V. Captain Butterfield’s bravery would be highlighted again after Vietnam when he volunteered for the hostage rescue mission in Tehran, Iran in 1980. Having served previously in Tehran, he knew the streets very well and was to help lead Delta Force to the hostage location. Captain Butterfield credited much of his military success to his wife of 65 years, Priscilla, who cheerfully moved their family 36 times and endured long separations when he was deployed overseas. Her loyalty and support became even more important when Captain Butterfield was selected to command three different Navy units during his career: VT-28, Naval Station Souda Bay, and Naval Station Guam.
While stationed in Vietnam, Captain Butterfield found his love of distance running. Despite taking up the sport fairly late in life, it didn’t stop him from qualifying for the Olympic Trials in the marathon. At the age of 35, he finished 29th in a crowded field of some of the world’s best marathoners. His running exploits inspired many, as he was a favorite at local races with his booming voice, infectious smile, and his true interest in other’s success.
Captain Butterfield will be long remembered for his service to his country; and for his leadership that impacted countless members of our military in a profoundly positive way. His bravery and devotion to his country will live on in those that he inspired.
But he will be far more remembered for his kindness, his loving devotion to his wife and family, and his unshakeable faith in God.
The family requests donations (in lieu of flowers) to: Prevent Homeless Pets (preventhomelesspets.org)