Butti Family

Aurelio (Tony) Butti emigrated from Aquila, Abruzzi Italy to the USA in 1902 at the age of 18. He was joined by his brother Sabatino (Sam) Butti in 1905.Together they formed a close business relationship that lasted many years.

In 1913 Tony, his wife Bigia and their two-year-old daughter Lina, along with Sam and his wife Lena moved to North Bay from Pennsylvania where the Butti brothers continued their varied entrepreneurial endeavours. Many North Bayites to this day remember Sam Butti Wholesale, The Car Load Super Market, and the Rose Room Dance Hall to name a few. Tony Butti’s son Albert was born in North Bay in 1915. Sam & Tony built the Butti Building in 1921 which today is now home to the North Bay and District Multicultural Centre.

Albert ‘Ab’ Butti was a successful North Bay businessman. Albert briefly managed Sam Butti Wholesale and met his wife Laura Dominico while managing North Bay’s Car Load Super Market. In the 1940’s he decided to change his occupation, so he moved on into construction and established North Bay Concrete Supply Co Ltd and City Sand & Gravel Co Ltd which served the construction needs of the growing North Bay community for over 20 years. His company was the main supplier of concrete for the building of the NORAD Security Complex in 1959.

Noted for his continued community support, Albert was a charter member and president of the Widdifield Lions Club. Preserving his Italian heritage was important to him as well and in 1952 he became a founding member and avid supporter of the Davedi Club. In 1978 he authored the commemorative book titled The Davedi Club, The First 25 Years (1953 -1978) . Life could be quite challenging for the many Italian immigrants who came to North Bay. Albert continually strived to help many men who arrived here by giving them gainful employment whenever possible. He also was a founding member and on the executive of the Redi-Mix Concrete Association of Ontario.

Albert is survived by his two sons Richard and David who are retired and living in North Bay.

Provided by Dave Butti