Thomas E. Butkiewicz

PALM COAST, FL. - Retired Master Sgt. Thomas E. Butkiewicz, 59, of Palm Coast, FL. and formerly of Gardner, died peacefully at his home on December 25th, 2008. Born in Greenfield, MA. on May 17,1949, he is the son of Lucille A. Butkiewicz of Gardner and the late Felix Butkiewicz. Thomas was a United States Vietnam War Army Veteran. Upon graduating from Gardner High School in 1967, Thomas enlisted in the Army and served in the Army's Elite PATHFINDER Platoon of the 101st Airborne Division. Upon completion of basic training, he attended advance infantry training at Fort Ord, CA., where he also served as Squad Leader. He then attended airborne training and non commissioned officer candidate school at Fort Benning, GA. While there, he qualified in Infantry tactics, jungle techniques, small arms specialization and as a non commissioned officer. After being assigned to the 101st Screaming Eagles in Vietnam, he attended Pathfinders School, where he qualified as a combat air traffic controller. While in Vietnam, he also attended South Vietnamese Jump School, earning his Vietnamese jump wings. During his service to his country, Thomas was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star with V-Device, two Purple Hearts, Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantryman's Badge, Good Conduct Medal, Brave Eagle Gold Coin for giving above and beyond the call of duty, Army Medal with Cluster for participating in more than 100 aerial missions over hostile territory and numerous Presidential and Unit Citations. Thomas was a member of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter of Palm Coast. He leaves his mother, Lucille A. Butkiewicz of Gardner; two sons, Christopher and Hawklin Butkiewicz of Palm Coast, Florida; one daughter, Felicia Butkiewicz of Worcester; two granddaughters, Alyssa Kemper-Butkiewicz and Rhiana Butkiewicz of Palm Coast, FL; one brother, Paul D. Butkiewicz and his life long companion Carol of St. Augustine, FL; two sisters, Beverly R. Harris of Gardner and Gloria J. Butkiewicz of Palm Coast, FL. and several nephews, nieces and cousins. He is preceded in death by his wife, Cheryl Valiton-Butkiewicz and his father, Felix Butkiewicz. Memorial services will be held Tuesday, December 30th at 10 A.M. in the Snow-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon. The Rev. Francis A. Roberge will officiate. Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to Veterans Homestead, 69 High Street, Fitchburg, MA. 01420. www.snow-ladeau.com