John Randall Button

John Randall Button
Loving Husband, Proud Father, Devoted Grandpa, and Cherished Brother
February 26, 1957 – March 26, 2025

John Randall Button, 68, of Bolivia, North Carolina, formerly of Frankfort, New York, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2025, surrounded by his family.

John was a man of quiet strength, boundless love, and unwavering devotion to his family. He is survived by his beloved wife and high school sweetheart, Wendy Button (Grippe); his four children Randi Button, Jessica Harper (Brad), Jamie Palumbo (Mark), and Ryan Button (Christine); and his cherished grandchildren Owen, Barrett, and Briar Harper; Hunter and Aiden Palumbo; and Scotland and Tripp Button.

He is also survived by his siblings Mike Button (Susan), Mary Jean Grippe (Jody), James Button, and Geri Button (Patrice), as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

John now rests with his parents, Rosemarie and Randall Button; his grandchild Bailey Button; his Aunt and Uncle Joanne and Don McShane; and his cousin Tom McShane (Elaine).

John graduated from Syracuse University and remained a loyal Syracuse basketball fan throughout his life.

A true entrepreneur, John owned and operated a range of businesses throughout his life—from the family-run Herkimer Wholesale to sporting goods stores and equestrian stables—before finishing his career in TV and radio. He was admired for his insightful mind and exceptional strategic thinking. Whether in business, at the poker table, or facing life’s greatest challenges, John always stayed ten steps ahead, approaching every situation with clarity, purpose, and quiet strength.

That same strength defined his courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. John faced each day with grace, grit, and a fierce determination to be present for the people he loved. His resilience during that fight was a reflection of the man he had always been.

Outside of work, John was a sharp and strategic poker player, a seasoned traveler, a teller of legendary dad jokes, and a constant presence in the lives of his children and grandchildren. His love for his family was fierce and unwavering, and his faith in Jesus remained a steady compass throughout his life.

John’s personality was one-of-a-kind—strong, compassionate, and loyal, with a dry wit and a heart that never stopped giving. His legacy lives on in the stories he told, the lessons he taught, the friendships he nurtured, and the family he built.

Services to honor John’s life will be held in both North Carolina and New York:

Tuesday, April 1st
Brunswick Funeral Service
3479 Southport/Supply Rd, NE
Bolivia, NC 28422
2:00 PM – Funeral Mass


Saturday, April 5th
Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home
4309 Acme Rd.
Ilion, NY 13357
12:00 – 2:00 PM – Calling Hours
2:00 PM – Prayer Service

3:00 PM – Celebration of Life
VFW Herkimer
131 Mohawk Street
Herkimer, NY

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in John’s memory to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network:

https://secure.pancan.org/site/Donation2?df_id=6701&mfc_pref=T&6701.donation=form1

From the family:

To everyone who has supported us—throughout this journey and in these recent days—we are deeply grateful. Your love, prayers, and generosity have been a guiding light in one of the darkest times of our lives. We will carry your kindness with us always.

One of John’s favorite reminders:

“Live each day to the fullest and never take a single moment for granted.”

He was deeply loved and will be deeply missed.