Joseph Michael Butler Sr. was born in Watertown on March 3, 1937, the son of John B. and Margaret Farrell Butler. He graduated from Immaculate Heart Academy in 1954 and received degrees from St. John Fisher College in 1958 and Purdue University in 1965.
He was a Chemistry Professor at Jefferson Community College for 27 years. He also was employed by Slack Chemical.
Mr. Butler spent eight years on the Jefferson County Legislature (previously known as the Board of Supervisors.)
He was elected Mayor in November of 1999 and served one term. He was an advocate for better garbage removal, Downtown Revitalization and neighborhood beautification.
Mr. Butler was involved with civic groups such as the Jefferson County Emergency Planning Committee, St. Patrick’s Parish Council, Kiwanis Club, the Watertown Golf Club and the Medical Waste Task Force.
He married Nancy Flynn and had two sons: Joseph M. Butler Jr., who also later served as Mayor of Watertown, and Robert F. Butler.
