In Memoriam: Tom Butch
He played his part for the mentally ill
Angelo Barbieri
On July 16, 2004, a friend of mine was in a car accident. I heard about it two weeks later. By then the injuries caused him to go into cardiac arrest and he died July 22, 2004. This friend was a key person for mental health rights in Albany. He was Tom Butch, the spokesperson for the Home of Your Own Program. This program enabled persons with mental illness to buy their own homes at a low interest rate and free closing costs in New York State.
I first met Tom when I was interested in buying a condo. I spoke to him over the phone and had lunch with him several times. Though I never actually closed a deal, I came to know Tom personally and appreciated his support for the mentally ill and enthusiasm for the work he did and how it helped people.
Tom is survived by loved ones: longtime girlfriend Patty, her daughter Maggie, sisters Marsha and Cindy and his mother Pat.
I will miss Tom, but it helps to know he spent his time on Earth serving the needs of the mentally ill.