Clayton A. Buteau

Clayton A. Buteau, 82, passed away at Nathan Littauer Hospital in Gloversville on Friday, February 14, 2025.

Clayton was born in Montgomery County, the son of Homer and Marion (Mahr) Buteau.

He grew up on the family farm in Randall and attended the Fonda-Fultonville Schools. For most of his life, he lived and worked on the farm, loving to work with the animals, especially the horses. He was very proud of Tom and Jerry, his first team of Belgians. Later, he developed an interest in oxen and raised several teams over the years. His gentle approach to handling these large animals was a special gift and he was happy to explain his skill to anyone who listened. The Fonda Fair and historical sites, including Fort Klock, were places he showed his animals. 

In addition to farming, Clayton had a great interest in history and science. Two men he considered his most important mentors, Wilbur Winsman, youth leader in Randall, organized trips to local historical sites and expanded Clayton’s interest in local and worldwide history. Ralph Fedullo, science teacher in Fonda, took Clayton under his wing making him his lab assistant during high school, his fellow students thought of him as the “science geek”.

Clayton was a 15-year cancer survivor. When he could no longer farm and became a resident of the Wells nursing Home in Johnstown, he had time to read and became well educated in the origins and behaviors of animals, both domesticated and wild. He could explain characteristics of many, from chickens to elephants. His Wells Home family were entertained by his explanations about nature, as well as his jokes and pranks.

Clayton’s family is very appreciative of the staff of the Wells Nursing Home for all the warmth and care they provided over the years.

Survivors include his sisters, Sylvia Cosgrove of Niskayuna and Beverly D’Alessandro of Scotia; his niece, Rhonda Terry of Schenectady; nephew, Gregory (Jada) Williams of Charlotte, NC. Many great and great great nieces and nephews, as well as several cousins also survive. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brother-in-laws, John Cosgrove and Robert D’Alessandro, many aunts and uncles.

Funeral services for Clayton will be held on Monday, February 24, 2025, at 2pm with Rev. Linda Gold officiating, where a calling hour will be held prior beginning at 1pm at Betz, Rossi, Bellinger & Stewart Family Funeral Home, 15 Main Street, Fultonville. Clayton will be laid to rest in the spring at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna.

Memorial donations can be made to the Peaceful Acres Horses, 3740 Rynex Corners Road, Pattersonville, NY, 12137 or to Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, 3 Oakland Ave. Menands, NY, 12204.