Gerald R. Butchko

In the early hours of Wednesday, 10/14/2026, Gerald R. (Jerry) Butchko, of Endicott, NY, went to be with the Lord after a brief illness. Predeceased by his loving wife of 61 years, Christina Cannavino Butchko, his parents Charles Butchko Sr., and Alice (Saxe) Butchko, his brothers John and Tom Butchko, son-in-law, Mark Topencik and good friend Chuck Sinclair. Gerald is survived by his four children, Gerald (Laura) Butchko Jr., Linda Topencik, Carla (arnie) Olsen, and Rebecca (Kevin Sr.) McManus. Grandchildren Josh, Lindsey, and Christina Butchko, Nicole (Zack) Riley, Kevin Jr., Taylor, and Brooklyn McManus. Great grandchildren Ava and Ella Butchko, and Everett and Nolan Riley. Jerry is also survived by his brothers Charles (Georgianna), Jim (Beverly), sisters Barbara and Katherine, and lifelong friends Keith and Pat Beddoe.

Jerry was born and raised in Binghamton, NY. He had a childhood surrounded by his six siblings and enjoyed spending time with his mother and father, after his father returned home from fighting overseas during World War II. Jerry attended Union-Endicott High School, and was a proud member of the class of 1956. He was a member of the football team, and took great pride in running both a 65 yard and 100 yard touchdown in the same season. It was also at U-E where he met his sweetheart, Christina Cannavino. The two spent almost 68 years together until her passing in 2021, 61 of those years married. She was, without a doubt, the best thing to ever happen to him. They enjoyed a life full of love, happiness, and with four children, seven grandchildren, and four great grandchildren, they certainly had a lot of love and happiness in their day to day.

Jerry followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the United States Army National Guard in 1954 at the age of 17, and served for 6 years until his honorable discharge in 1960 at the rank of Specialist. While in the Army, he served with the 108th Armored Infantry Division, and the 175th Medical Detachment. He was an Expert with the M1 Carbine and a Marksman with the M1 Garand rifle. A rifle he was reunited with 61 years after his military service ended, and shot targets with on the range like he had just left the Army the day before.

Jerry was employed by International Business Machines (IBM) Endicott, and was a dedicated, loyal employee for over 32 years before retiring in 1990. He temporarily worked for IBM San Jose, in San Jose, California, for two years before returning to Endicott in 1964 and remaining ever since. Jerry was able to enjoy 36 years of retirement. He found tremendous joy in spending time with his wife, Christina, and their kids and grandkids. Jerry and Christina were commonly seen attending sports events and musical concerts for their grandkids. Jerry also enjoyed watching old western films such as Bonanza, Gunsmoke, and The Andy Griffith Show. He watched those shows almost everyday like clockwork, and in his later years, rarely missed a nighttime episode. Hearing the Andy Griffith show whistle was never an uncommon occurrence in the Butchko residence.

Jerry was a lifelong member of the Endicott Elks Club, and was always eager to attend events at the B.P.O.E., especially their breakfasts. Jerry was an avid gardener before his age started to slow him down, and he shared the many things he grew in his garden with family and friends. He always enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner, and it was always his favorite holiday due to being surrounded by the family and enjoying good food. Speaking of food, he’ll always be remembered by his grandkids for making the best pancakes known to man. Always with blueberries or chocolate chips! Breakfast in the Butchko household was always enjoyable for the grandkids, and just as enjoyable for Jerry as he was able to spoil his grandchildren with good food. Jerry was always very proud of his grandchildren and their accomplishments, often talking about them to other family members and friends with immense pride.

Jerry will be missed by all who knew him. And although he’s not with us anymore on this earth, those who knew how much he loved his sweetheart, Christina, find solace in the fact that they’re reunited again forever. Jerry passed away holding a cross in one hand, and a photo of him and Christina in the other hand. A true testament to his unwavering faith, and true, dedicated love and devotion to his sweetheart.

Jerry’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the staff at Ideal Rehabilitation Center for their support. A huge thanks is also extended to the 5th floor Nursing staff at UHS Wilson Medical Center for their graciousness, generosity, and compassion during this difficult time.

A Funeral Mass for Jerry will be held on Thursday, October 22 at 10:30 am at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 701 W. Main Street, Endicott. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends on Thursday at Church from 9 am until Mass time at 10:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to either the Our Lady of Good Counsel Food Pantry, or the Union Volunteer Emergency Squad. Over many years the EMT’s and Paramedics always displayed the utmost of professionalism, compassion and passionate service when Jerry was a patient on their ambulances.