Ed Vargo ~ Major League Umpire

Ed Vargo of Butler, National League umpire from 1960-1983, is the only Major League umpire to call one no hitter and one perfect game for the same pitcher. Vargo was behind home plate for Sandy Koufax's no hitter on June 4, 1964 and his perfect game on September 9, 1965.

+ February 2, 2008

Robert McClung, Author ~ BHS '34

† June, 2006

Robert M. McClung was born in Butler, he was a graduate of Butler High School. His first book, "Wings in the Woods," a fictionalized version of his summers on this grandfather's farm, was published in 1948. He received a master's degree at Cornell University and began his dream job by working at the Bronx Zoo in New York. In 1955, he left the zoo, where he was curator of mammals and birds, to devote to his writing. In 1958, he moved to Washington, D.C., as a natural history writer and editor for the National Geographic. In 1962, he moved to Amherst to devote his time to the writing of his own books. He published 66 books, including "Green Darner," "The Story of a Dragonfly;" and "Bufo, the Story of a Toad."

Megan Peth ~ BHS '06 ~ A Girl We Remember

Megan Marie Peth 

†2006

Megan was a freshman at IUP, where she was studying nuclear medicine. She was a 2006 graduate of Butler High School and had been a member of the BHS Golden Tornado Marching Band. She also ran track at BHS. Megan was 19.

Her presence among us enriched so many lives.

Our Children's Guardian ~

During her nearly 40 years as a school crossing guard, Doris Mary Riddle [† Sept 2006] helped thousands of children in the Butler area make it safely to school. She started working as a school crossing guard in 1950 and was assigned to Monroe Street, where she helped St. Paul School pupils cross the street.
In later years, she was assigned to a Mercer Street post to cross Broad Street elementary pupils. But the majority of her career -- nearly 30 years -- was spent at a post on New Castle Street helping West End Elementary School pupils.

We thank you, Doris.

Butler's Born Actor ~ Frederick West McCarren ~ BHS '69

✝ 2006

Fred McCarren was one of the brightest stars on Butler High School's stage. We remember him in My Fair Lady, Once Upon a Mattress, Little Me and other excellent productions.
Thank you, Fred, for your unforgettable stage presence and the delight you gave us.

We fell for you!

Butler's Television Star ~ Josie Carey

† 2004
One of Butler's stars in the world of television was Josie Carey. Some Butlerites still know her as Josephine Vicari. She hosted WQED's long running Children's Corner and her name was immortalized for millions of children as that of Fred Rogers' puppet, Daniel Striped Tiger. She wrote lyrics for 68 songs for her show. Butler and Pittsburg cannot forget Josie Carey.

Eric Namesnik~ Butler's Olympic Medalist

When Eric stepped up on the podium to receive his silver medals at the '92 and '96 Olympics everyone in Butler trembled with pride. Eric died in a car accident on his way to swim practice last Saturday. A colleague at the University of Michigan where Eric was a swim coach said: "Eric wasn't flashy, he was kind of a quiet guy, but with a deep, deep resolve. He had the heart of a champion, with all the things you think a great athlete should be. He was just the best."

That's how we feel about you Eric, and bow to you in recognition for your accomplishments.

Our condolences to Eric's wife and two children, Austin, 5, and Madison, 2 who live in Ann Arbor, Michigan and his parents who live here in Butler.

Jim Simons ~ Our Homegrown Golfer

Jim Simons, as an amateur, came within three strokes of the U.S. Open Title in 1971. Jim's performance was arguably one of the finest by an amateur in the post-World War II era. Jim had a two-stroke lead heading into the final round, only to shoot a 6-over 76 and tie for fifth, three shots behing Jack Nicklaus and Lee Travino.

Jim died on 8 December. He was 55. From Butler we send condolences to his three sons, his mother and father as well as his three sisters.

† 8 December 2005