Joseph Jay Buteau of North Truro died at home on Sept. 12, 2020, surrounded by his wife and daughters. Born on Aug. 2, 1950, in Heidelberg, Germany, he was the only son of the late Genevieve and Freeman Buteau.
Joe served 22 years in the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserve, 340th General Hospital Unit, in New Haven, Conn. While serving, he worked in the burn unit at Fort Sam in Houston, Texas, specializing in orthopedics at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center and later as a moulage officer. Joe retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel. Both Joe and Sharon, his wife — they were married in 1979 — were physical therapists; they owned and operated New England Physical Therapy Services in Connecticut.
His greatest joy was spending time with family and friends, both on the beach and in his extensive gardens. He made lifelong connections everywhere he went, especially at the Mews, Lewis Brothers Ice Cream, and at Flyer’s Boat Rental.
Joe developed multiple myeloma, cancer of the plasma cells, in 2007. He participated in endless trials through Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and lived for 14 years with strength, love, and an amazing sense of humor. He defeated the odds many times over and was an inspiration to all who knew him.
Joe had a fulfilling life and was able to spend many years with family and friends in what he considered the most beautiful place on Earth, North Truro.
In addition to his wife, Joe leaves two daughters, Kirsten Buteau and husband Jebediah Santos, and Erika Reale and husband Steven. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Lillian Santos, Lyla Reale, and Cameron Reale.
A celebration of Joe’s life is planned for late spring 2021. Memorial contributions in Joe’s name may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute with the memo “For Multiple Myeloma Research,” mailed to Dr. Nikhil Munshi, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215; or to Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod, 411 Main St., Suite 6, Yarmouth Port, MA 02675 (or online: habitatcapecod.org/donate).
