Robert John “Butch” Anson Sr., 88, of Clintondale, New York, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loved ones, on Sunday, June 28, 2026.
He is survived by his loving daughter, Jami; his sons, Robert “Kip” and Kelly; his daughter-in-law, Sarah; his beloved pups, Koda and Q; his nephew, Joe Sorrentino; numerous nieces, nephews, including his close circle of lunch buddies — Cindy, Theresa, Mary, Carol, Don, Bruce, Ruth, Jimmy, Bob, Arden, Doug, and many others. No remembrance of Butch would be complete without mentioning his lifelong best friend, Bob Mertine (passed away in October 2025).
He was predeceased by his beloved son, Richard; his devoted wife, Shirley V. Anson; his father, Douglas B. Anson; his mother, Minnie Pauline Dean Anson; father-in-law and mother-in-law Lawerence H. Morse and Elsie S. Morse; brother and sister-in-law, Douglas and Helen Anson; sister and brother-in-law, Barbara “Bobbi” and Stanley “Memo” Zampko; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Marge and Bob Harr; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Dorthy and Kenneth Erichsen; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Elaine and Leroy Morse and his beloved nephews, Donald Sherow, Frank Sherow, Tony Manzi, Lou and Tom Schoonmaker.
Butch was born in Poughkeepsie. He attended Arlington schools and graduated from the Arlington Central School District. From 1955 to 1958, he honorably served in the United States Army and remained active in veterans’ events and luncheons — one of his favorite places to gather with fellow veterans.
He enjoyed a long and respected career in his family's construction businesses, Lawrence H. Morse Construction and Robert J. Anson Construction, where he earned the nickname “The Happy Hammer.”
A dedicated community member, Butch served for many years as Master of the Plattekill Grange, was a member of the Plattekill Historical Society, and was a knowledgeable speaker on the history of construction. For thirteen years, every August, Butch and his best friend Bob worked tirelessly to help ensure the success of the Shirley V. Anson Memorial Golf Tournament benefiting the Plattekill Historical Society.
Butch devoted decades of service to the Clintondale Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter. He proudly served as Fire Police Captain for more than 35 years and was a lifetime member of the department.
His commitment to preserving local history and serving the community extended well beyond the fire department. He was an original board member of the Walkway Over the Hudson, a longtime member of the Ulster County Civil War Round Table, and a longtime member of the Paltz Club.
The family would also like to express their deepest gratitude to the many individuals and organizations who walked alongside Butch during his long journey with Vascular Dementia. Their compassion, professionalism, and unwavering support allowed him to remain in the comfort of his home, surrounded by those who loved him. With heartfelt appreciation, the family thanks the Hudson Valley Palliative Care Unit, Hudson Valley Hospice, the Ulster County Veterans Agency, Dr. Lauren Vigna, First Care, Archcare, Castle Point, Hamaspik, Accent Home Care, and Eagle Home Care for the exceptional care and kindness they provided throughout his illness.
Memorial donations in Butch's honor may be made to the Clintondale Fire Department (please make donations out to Allied Communities Fire Department), P.O. Box 181, Clintondale, New York 12515. The Plattekill Historical Society, P.O. Box 250, Clintondale, New York 12515 (You can also donate online at: https://www.plattekillhistoricalsociety.org/donate )
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Copeland-Hammerl Funeral Home, Inc., 162 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, New York 12561, (845) 255-1212.