Andrew “Andy” Butchko, of Baldwinsville, passed away Thursday, the 2nd of March 2023, at Houston Hospice in Houston, TX, surrounded by loving family. He was 59 years of age.
He was born in Scranton, the son of the late Andrew and Nancy Benichuk Butchko. He was a graduate of West Scranton High School, class of 1981. He received his RN diploma from Crouse Irving Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in December 1991. For several years Andy worked on the pediatric floor of Crouse Hospital in Syracuse. He next worked for Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital in Syracuse. Andy also worked at Syracuse Home at McHarrie Place. Andy’s passions included spending time with his family, performing in musicals and plays, supporting his children’s extra-curricular musical endeavors and playing with his dogs.
He is preceded in death by his brother David.
Surviving are his wife Terry Zahler of Baldwinsville; five children: Lucas of Buffalo, N.Y.; Jacob of Syracuse; Madeline, Caleb and Gabbie of Baldwinsville; and his beloved dogs, especially Paco. He is also survived by five sisters: Donna (Jeffrey) Seibert, of Hardeesville, SC; Kathy (Mike) Murphy, of Dickson City, PA; Dr. Andrea (Jim) Ogonosky, of Houston, TX; Michele Butchko (Ron), of Scranton, PA; Judy Kornaga, of Collegeville, PA; stepbrother Robert (Patty) Butchko, of Clarks Summit, PA; eight nieces and eight nephews; 13 great-nieces and nephews; and aunts, uncles and cousins.
The family will gather for a private inurnment. A celebration of Andy’s life will be conducted at a later date in Syracuse.
In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions in Andy’s memory may be directed to the Pomeroy College of Nursing through the Crouse Health Foundation at 736 Irving Ave., Syracuse, NY 13210 or to the Pediatric Surgical Nursing Fund C/O The Upstate Foundation Inc. at 750 East Adams St., Syracuse, NY 13210.
The Butchko family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff of MD Anderson Cancer Center and Houston Hospice staff for the special care they gave Andy. For this we will be eternally grateful.
Please visit Andy’s online memorial tribute at GeoHLewis.com where fond memories and words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with his family.
