Obituary of Stephen G. "Butch" LaFay

NORFOLK—A Celebration of Life for 72 year old Stephen G. "Butch" LaFay, a resident of 32 West Main Street, Norfolk, will be held at the Norfolk American Legion on Sunday, October 8, 2017 at 2 p.m. Mr. LaFay passed away on Friday, September 29, 2017 at the University of Vermont Medical Center surrounded by his family. Butch is survived by his wife of 18 years, Bonnie, Norfolk; his sons, Michael and Katie LaFay, Chittenango; Shane Tessier, Norfolk; his daughters, Rachele and Joel Murphy, Cleveland, Ohio; Janel and DJ Colbert, Norwood; his fourteen beloved grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Butch is also survived by his sisters, Barbara LaFay, Peru, NY; Diane Gravlin, Norwood and Susan and Tim Maroney, Potsdam as well as several nieces and nephews. Butch was pre-deceased by his parents, two infant daughters, Stephanie and Angela, a brother Richard "Beano" LaFay and sisters Jean Jeffery, Phyllis Sanossian and Cheryl LaFay. Born in Potsdam, NY on July 20, 1945 to the late Arnold and Margaret White LaFay, Butch graduated from high school and served as a carpenter with the U.S. Army during Vietnam. Butch married Bonnie LaMora on March 26, 1999 and was previously married to Drucille Bellardini. He was employed for General Motors in Massena as a committee man as well as a furnace operator. He worked at GM for 32 years, retiring in 2000. Butch was a member of the Norfolk American Legion #925, and was a fun loving gentleman. He loved woodworking, making many items for family and friends. Butch also enjoyed doing magic tricks and cooking. Butch was a staunch Democrat and enjoyed learning about history. He was also an avid NY Giants fan, but most will remember Butch for his zestful and crazy sense of humor. He truly enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Memorial Donations in Butch's memory can be made to the Norfolk Rescue Squad or to the Potsdam Animal Shelter. Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.buckfuneralhome.com .