Ronald (Rinaldo) John Buttarazzi, 90, passed away on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at his home in Fairport, NY where he lived with his beloved wife Mary for over 50 years. Born in Rochester, NY, he graduated from Aquinas Institute in 1951, Le Moyne College in 1955 magna cum laude, and from Syracuse University School of Law in 1958 summa cum laude. He was the Editor-in-Chief of the Syracuse University Law Review and was a member of the Order of the Coif. He also served in the United States Army Reserve.
Ronald practiced law for over fifty years. In addition to his private practice, he served as Perinton Town Justice for nearly 20 years, City Court Judge in Rochester from 1980 to 1986, and as the New York State Assistant Attorney General from 1995 to 1999. He was known for his compassion, fairness, and ability to connect with people from all backgrounds.
He was passionate about his Catholic faith, family, and politics. At the age of 86 he completed the creative project of his life, a play entitled “The Disciple” that depicted the actions taken by Pope Pius XII on behalf of the Jewish people during the Holocaust. His family is grateful to all of those who devoted their time, energy, and talent to “the play,” resulting in the publication and performance of this labor of love.
Ronald is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Mary (Surber) Buttarazzi, as well as his children Marie Coukos and husband Steve, Anne Brady and husband Kevin, Ron and wife Sheila, Jim and wife Svetlana, Mary, and John and wife Katie, his 21 grandchildren ranging in age from nine months to thirty-six years, and numerous nephews and nieces. He is also survived by his cousins Ann Marie Walter and husband John, Joseph D’Angelo and wife Judy, as well as his sister-in-law Alice Buttarazzi. He was predeceased by his brother, Patrick J. Buttarazzi, M.D.
Ron’s family would like to thank his team of spiritual and physical caregivers, especially those who were with him in his final days. They were a special blessing to Ron and his family.
Calling Hours Tuesday September 5, 2023 4-7PM at the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home (Egypt Location) 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Road, Fairport. Funeral Mass Wednesday September 6, 2023 11AM at St. John of Rochester Church 8 Wickford Way, Fairport. It may also be live streamed at https://stjohnfairport.org/streaming.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Notre Dame Retreat House (Canandaigua, NY), Abbey of the Genesee (Piffard, NY), or a charity of your choice.
Comments
11 responses to “Buttarazzi, Ronald J.”
Rest in peace Uncle Ron. We loved you and enjoyed your zest for life and learning. Sending love and condolences to your beautiful wife and family.
Rest in Peace Ron ? You were brilliant and a delight to talk to! ❤️ I will miss our conversations during the week and the knowledge that you always have me during those moments. Sending my heartfelt condolences to Mary & the entire Buttarazzi family. Until we meet again I will remain as Julie, Parish Secretary, Church of the Assumption ?
Be thou at peace, Ron, and please pray for us. In your grief, Mary, we hope you find peace in the memories of a life well lived with Ron. Our deepest sympathies and prayers to you and your family.
I’m so sorry to hear. My deepest condolences to Mary and the rest of the Buttarazzi family.
Uncle Ron was truly one in a million. His depth of knowledge, his quick wit and his compassion were all exceptional. Perhaps his most impressive quality was his love of family – not only for his own children but for his extended family as well. Our hearts are broken.
The Veterans Outreach Center extends our deepest sympathy in Ronald’s passing.
We acknowledge and are truly grateful for his service to our country.
So sorry to learn of Ron’s passing. Condolences and prayers are sent to Mary and family. Rest in eternal and well-deserved peace.
God Bless our Aquinas Brother.
So sorry to hear of Mr. Buttarazzi’s passing. My deepest condolences to the family.
Ron often described himself as a Roman warrior in the service of Christ! His formidable intellect and spirited character were constantly battling for righteousness. I was grateful for his counsel over the years and honored and enriched that this old Roman shared stories of his spiritual and political struggles with me over the years. St. Michael will surely welcome him as a foot soldier in his army. His courage is an inspiration to all. Amore
Please accept the most heartfelt sympathies of LeMoyne College. We hope the love and memories that you will forever hold in your heart being you peace and comfort during this difficult time.