Somerville to Name Square in Honor of Native Man Killed in Peabody

Eighty-seven-year-old Theodore “Ted” Buttner was visiting his family in Peabody on Jan. 27 when he was struck and killed by an elderly driver while in the crosswalk in front of St. Adelaide’s Church on Lowell Street.

City officials are still reviewing any possible traffic improvements to the area to prevent future tragedies, and in the meantime, the city of Somerville will be publicly honoring Buttner by naming a square after the Somerville native this Saturday.

Patricia Caton of Peabody, Buttner’s daughter, tells Peabody Patch that the dedication this weekend is a tribute to her father’s years of service in the U.S. Navy during World War II, along with his years of community service since then.

Buttner was an aerial photographer in the Navy and received three awards for his service, including the World War II Victory Medal, said Caton.

Buttner spent decades as a parishioner and ecumenical minister at Saint Joseph Church in Somerville. He also worked for the MBTA for 35 years and was a member of the Medford Auxiliary Fire Department.

On the day he was killed, Buttner stopped by St. Adelaide’s where his daughter and family are parishioners and was on his way to visit them at their home.

Saturday’s dedication will take place at the corner of Walnut and Boston streets in Somerville at 11 a.m. Buttner lived on Walnut Street for nearly 50 years.

Caton says she will lead the Pledge of Allegiance for the ceremony while Peabody resident Stephanie McCarthy sings the national anthem.

Caton says the rest of the ceremony will include remarks by Somerville city officials and a rifle salute and taps by the American Legion Post 19 Honor Guard.

"The Buttner family will be joined by family, friends, St. Joseph's Church parishioners, Medford Fire Auxiliary and neighbors who will be in attendance to honor a man who was proud to serve our great nation -- to protect our rights and freedom -- as well as a strong contributor to his community," Caton said.