Butch is a native of Schenectady and a graduate of Linton High School. He is a graduate of Marquette University with a B.A. in journalism and began his career at The Gazette as a sportswriter in 1970. His primary beats included college sports and thoroughbred and standardbred racing, but he also regularly covered high school events. Named sports editor in 1984, his responsibilities now include oversight of an 11-person staff; daily and Sunday section planning and design; managing the annual section budget; and reading and editing reports.