Attorney Patrick Butler of Nutter dies on New Year's Day

Published on Friday, January 02, 2009

Official word spread on Friday of the sudden and stunning death of one of Cape Cod's most influential and respected attorneys and community leaders, Patrick Butler, whose expertise helped define the physical landscape of the region and whose charitable endeavors touched thousands.

In fact, news of his death arrived here this afternoon from one of his extended families,Cape Cod Healthcare, where Butler - a partner in the Boston law firm of Nutter McClennen & Fish LLP - was a long-time stalwart in the health care community and "whose leadership led to many important advances in health care on the Cape."

Butler, who managed Nutter's growing Cape Cod office in Hyannis,  was a frequent contributor to Cape Business magazine, offering uniquely insightful analysis of development issues on the Cape.

Butler, the former Chairman of the Cape Cod Healthcare Foundation Board of Trustees, was presently serving as the Chairman of the Foundation’s ongoing capital campaign. "In this capacity, Pat has been spearheading the fundraising drive to construct an Upper Cape Oncology Center on the campus of Falmouth Hospital and to build an ambulatory complex off Attucks Lane in Hyannis, among other projects," the foundation noted.

As Cape Cod Healthcare’s attorney for many capital projects, Butler also led the regulatory efforts that enabled the construction of the Mugar Building at Cape Cod Hospital and the Medical Office Building at Falmouth Hospital, among other developments.

"At a campaign event in September to announce several major gifts, Pat’s commitment to a strong health care system on Cape Cod was evident. 'It is imperative that we undertake a campaign to assure that services, facilities and staff are always there to meet the challenges and growing demands for quality health services on Cape Cod,' he said. 'We are deeply indebted to the donors whose support enables us to continue the mission that helped build a comprehensive regional healthcare system spanning the entire Cape.'”

“I didn’t know Pat for a long-time,” said Richard Salluzzo, M.D., President and CEO, Cape Cod Healthcare, “but I do know he was a tremendous individual and a dear friend to many people on Cape Cod. He made a big difference in the lives of many people and he will be greatly missed.” 

Butler is survived by his wife Sue and their two sons, Jay and Peter.

More information on the cause of his death and funeral arrangements are forthcoming.