Samuel C. Butler
Butler, Samuel C.
Adored husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, colleague and friend.
Born March 10, 1930, in Logansport, Indiana to Jane Flynn and Melvin Butler. Married to Sally Thackston on June 28, 1952 until her death in October, 2023. Sally and he had three children: Sam (Susan Jett), Leigh (Don Fowley) and Elizabeth (Liz) Boissard (Chris); nine grandchildren, whom they adored and who adored them: Eliza (Jake Hudson), Mimi (Alex Minasian), Alison and Henry Butler; Nick (Derek Blasberg) and Jesse Brown (Zach Jhonk); and Maggie (Larsson Burch), Anna and Sam (Britt) Boissard; and eight great-grandchildren: Rosie, Ben and Lea Hudson; Teddy and Josephine Minasian; Grace and Noah Blasberg-Brown; and Callie Johnk. Sam is also survived by 2 sisters, Jane Kahle and Anne Hoover and their three children Katie Connor and John Kahle, and Mindy MacAnally.
Sam graduated as valedictorian from Culver Military Academy in 1947, lettering in basketball and football; from Harvard College in 1951, Phi Beta Kappa, magna cum laude, receiving a Sheldon Travelling Fellowship and lettering in football; from Harvard Law School 1954, magna cum laude, an editor of the Harvard Law Review, and the recipient of a Sears prize.
After clerking for Justice Sherman Minton of the United States Supreme Court and serving in the U.S. Army, he joined the New York law firm, Cravath, Swaine & Moore, in September 1956. Elected a partner in 1960, Sam served as presiding partner from 1980-98. His legal skills and sound business judgment also served him well as an elected director of several public companies. His involvement in educational and charitable activities included serving as a trustee for The New York Public Library (since 1978, Board Chairman 1999-2004); Vassar College (1969-77); the American Museum of Natural History (1989-93); The September 11th Fund (2001-04); Culver Academies (1981-2001). At Harvard, he was elected to its Board of Overseers in 1982 and served as the President of the Board for two years ending in 1988. He was also a member of several Visiting Committees, the Chairman of the Harvard College Fund, and a member of the Dean's Advisory Committee at the Law School from (1997-2011).
Over the years Sam received many awards, including the Learned Hand Human Relations Award from the American Jewish Committee; the Servant of Justice Award from The Legal Aid Society; the Lillian D. Ward Award from the Visiting Nurse Service of New York; the David T. W. McCord and Richard T. Flood '27 awards from the Harvard College Fund; the Harvard Law School Association Award; the Harvard Medal from the Harvard Alumni Association; and the Distinguished Service and the Man of the Year awards from Culver.
Most of all, he was the fearless leader of our family. Even with all his accomplishments and hours spent buried in a hardcover book, he always made time for us. Our many vacations included 3 safaris, white water rafting, the Galapagos, our National Parks, Tuscany, Hawaii and so many ski trips. He introduced us to Broadway musicals and a lifetime of their songs. Every Sunday there was a standing invitation to dinner at Lusardi’s or Chef Ho’s. We did Stave puzzles, made apple cider, ate vegetables from his garden, listened to his funny stories, and enjoyed his unique brand of mischief. The glass was always half full for Dad. He believed he could do anything he set his mind to and with the exception of mastering a foreign language (or carrying a tune) he pretty much did. And he always believed we could too. He was part of our lives for so long, and will be missed by everyone who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, the family would very much appreciate contributions to The Samuel C. Butler Historical Collections Endowment Fund at The New York Public Library, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street, New York, NY 10018. A private service will be held at the New York Public Library at a later date.
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IN MEMORY Nestor Benjamin Zapata Passed Jan 15, 2026 Born June 28,1932 Resided Nyc, NY Nestor Benjamin Zapata went home to the Risen Jesus on Jan 15, 2026 at age 93. Nestor was born to Nestor Zapata Sandoval and Anita Vinck on June 28, 1932 in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. As a Child, He excelled in school, theater and sports. With leading roles in plays at George Washington H.S. IN Washington Heights, NYC. He was also an avid baseball and basketball player. He loved playing golf with his friends. He also was an excellent ice skater that few PR's can do. Nestor met his 1st wife, Connie at a church dance. They married two years later and went on to have four children, Nestor, Michael, Laura and Christina. Also many Grandchildren as well Great-Grandchildren He later met his current wife, Grace and married Nov 5, 1999. They loved going to meetings to celebrate the gift of sobriety. As well as helping many people along the journey. They also enjoyed going to Lincoln Center, Radio City and Broadway. Seeing Hamilton twice! They acquired an incredible taste for NYC Cuisine. In addition to being a dedicated father, Nestor also loved the NY Yankees and NY Giants, also staying active in AA & holding various roles at the church. He also will be remembered for umpiring little league on Roosevelt Island. He held an unwavering faith in God, which He shared with those who surrounded him.
Viewing Thursday December 18th, 2025 9:00 A.M. to 9:30 A.M. Funeral Mass Church of St. Monica 413 East 79th Street New York, NY 10075 Thursday December 18th, 2025 10:00 A.M. Private Cremation In Lieu of Flowers Donate to St. Jude https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html
Donna M. Hamilton, a beloved mother, was born on December 27, 1943 in Kansas City, MO and peacefully passed away in the early evening of October 31, 2025. Donna’s faith guided her outlook to motherhood and to life. Donna grew up throughout the state of Texas. After graduating high school, her family moved to Washington, D. C. She eventually met and later married Vernon Hamilton (1930-2014); they had three children. Donna enjoyed participating in her church's events, embroidery, watching Hallmark movies, and most of all being with her family and friends. She had a beautiful smile and a kind, friendly personality that was noticed by everyone. Donna retired from New York Presbyterian Hospital after working as a Physician’s Assistant for over 35 years. She worked in the ambulatory surgery and plastic surgery departments, but her passion was in plastic surgery. Donna was phenomenal and highly respected in her field and often would be called upon to help the student physicians. Donna is survived by her three children: Scott, Melody, and Todd, an older brother, John Scott, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her grandson, Hamilton, who lived nearby, was often at her apartment visiting, going to the store for her when it became too difficult, or trying to keep her spirit up. Donna was loving, kind, charming, and unforgettable. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her and she will continue to inspire us all. Two quotes that our mother always told us (and the grandchildren and great-grandchildren): “treat others the way you wanted to be treated” and “do not compare yourself to others because for always there will be greater and lesser persons than you.”