George E. Butts Jr., Former Harbor Mayor

George Edmund Butts Jr., who was 82, died at home on Shelter Island on Sept. 5. A former resident of Sag Harbor and its mayor from 1985 to 1991, he had been in failing health for the last few years.

Mr. Butts had been a contractor who took over his father’s business, George Butts Builders. He and his wife, the former Nancy A. Friscia of Shelter Island, lived on the island for 17 years, and he had served as its dog warden. His daughter Jacqueline Butts Minetree said, “He loved, loved, loved animals,” and that he included his family, children and grandchildren, in boating, which was a huge part of his life. He owned a boat for more than 30 years and was a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the United States Power Squadron.

He was born in Southampton on May 20, 1935, the only child of the former Madeleine Mitchell and George E. Butts Sr. He grew up in Sag Harbor and graduated from Pierson High School. From 1956 to 1959 he served in the Army Reserve.

In Sag Harbor, he was a member of the American Legion, the Gazelle Hose Company of the Sag Harbor Fire Department, and was the president of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church Parish Council.

In addition to his wife and daughter Jacqueline Butts Minetree, he is survived by another daughter, Katherine Butts Gregg of Shelter Island, and a son, George E. Butts III of Sag Harbor. Eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild also survive; a grandson died before him.

The family received visitors on Friday at the Yardley and Pino Funeral Home in Sag Harbor. Burial was private. Donations to the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons, P.O. Box 901, Wainscott 11975, the Cormaria Retreat House, P.O. Box 1993, Sag Harbor 11963, or the Shelter Island Red Cross Ambulance Squad, P.O. Box 830, Shelter Island 11964 have been suggested.