Dr Thomas M. Butterworth

Thomas Michael Butterworth, 65, professor emeritus in biology at Western Connecticut State University and the proprietor of Butterbrooke Farm in Oxford, died on October 30 at Griffin Hospital in Derby.

Dr Butterworth is survived by his son, Timothy John Butterworth of Derby, and Virginia King of Newtown, Tom’s significant other for the past several years. Other survivors include his brother, Jeffrey, of Cocoa Beach, Fla., and his former wife, Judith Grennon of Ansonia.

Dr Butterworth is most widely known for his many years as a biology professor at Western Connecticut State University, in organic farming, seed propagation, ecology, and conservation. Butterbrooke Farm was cited by United States President Jimmy Carter in 1980 as the recipient of the President’s Award for Energy Efficiency “in recognition of its outstanding contribution to America’s economic and national security through exemplary leadership in the national effort to achieve energy efficiency.”

A firm believer in recycling, Dr Butterworth’s final act of generosity was as an organ donor. His liver and lungs were transplanted into recipients on October 31; other tissues will benefit burn victims, those needing bone grafts, and diabetic research. He chose to recycle himself to help others.

Dr Butterworth was born in Toledo, Ohio. He graduated with a major in philosophy and religion from Transylvania College in Lexington, Ky., where he received a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship for study with the renowned theologian Karl Barth at the University of Basel in Switzerland. His other academic degrees included a master of science from Syracuse University, and both a master of education and a doctorate in the same field from Teachers College at Columbia University.

A memorial service will be held at the Newtown Congregational Church on Saturday, November 6, at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, his survivors request that donations be sent to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 1131, Fairfax VA 22038-1131. Donors are requested to include the name of the recipient (Dr Thomas Butterworth), the name of the person to be notified of the gift (Dr Virginia King), and their name and address.

Arrangements are by the Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown.

The Newtown Bee        November 5, 2004