When birds of a feather flock together, you can bet Lester “Butch” Lombardi is not far behind.

The saga of this 77-year-old Warren native is quite intriguing, starting from his fixation with sports on the local baseball and softball diamonds, where he was considered one of this town’s most gifted athletes, to his current role as an acclaimed expert in his passion with ospreys (AKA fish hawks).

Married to the former Cindy Swanson and the father of one son, Nick, 47, Butch graduated from Warren High School in 1964 and later from CCRI in 1966. Before that, he started to learn much about the game of baseball from legendary Warren High coach Charlie Burdge. He was also fascinated with the game of golf, which he still plays regularly on various golf courses in and around the area.

Retired from the Phone Company after 31 years of service, Butch’s eyes light up when he talks sports.

“Sports have always been an important part of my life and still are to this day,” he admits. “I always loved baseball and, as an extension of that, softball. I got golf clubs as a graduation present when I graduated from Warren High, and I approached golf like I do with most things I feel passionate about — as an obsession.”

Longtime friend John “JP” Medeiros talked in glowing terms of Butch during their years of athletic competition.

“Butch was a left handed batter who could place the ball where he wanted and was fast as a gazelle, too,” he noted. “His speed in the outfield let him get to balls most guys could not, and he had a rocket for an arm which gunned down guys trying to stretch a hit to the next base. Butch was a great sport too and a real competitor.”

“I’m glad to have known and proud to be friends with Butch for the better part of 40 years.” said Jay Ferreira. “We played softball in the same league for years, and now we have been on the Warren Athletic Hall of Fame Committee together since 2002, himself being a charter member since 1998. He epitomizes as a true Warrenite. He has lived his whole life in town and is a pillar for our community. He has always been a strong conservationist for the town’s wetlands, shoreline and habitat. When Butch speaks, people listen.”

Butch has always been a fixture around the annual Warren Art Festival. Here’s what Kathy Kittell, Art Festival organizer, had to say:

“It is our delight to have Butch take part in the Annual Warren Art Festival. When people arrive at the show they often ask for him in particular. He is both a pleasant person but also an incredibly talented artist. I enjoy hearing him describe with excitement, how he got the picture while holding back for the ideal circumstances. The photos he takes show how much he loves his town of Warren. The already memorable nature of our town is enhanced by his photography.”

As much as Butch Lombardi loves sports competition, he’s absolutely bonkers about his adulation for ospreys. He’s an expert on the subject like few others.

“My introduction to the environment that surrounds us (Marshes-waterways, wildlife, etc.) came at very early age,” he said. “We lived on Market Street and our back yard was on Belcher’s Cove. By the time I was six, I was going out on the Palmer River with the other kids in the neighborhood. I learned so much by just being able to experience the environment and marshes that surround us as a town.”

A few months ago, Butch gave an in-depth lecture on ospreys to members of the Warren Senior Center. It was well-received by everyone in attendance, including retired Senior Center Executive Director Betty Hoague.

“Butch is so well-versed on that subject,” Hoague said. “Everyone was amazed at what he said that afternoon. It was very informative.”
Sports and wildlife triggered another passion for Lombardi — photography.

“In 1968, I decided I wanted to do something creative,” he admitted.” I can still remember that conscious decision. Up to that point I had no interest in art. I didn’t have the patience to paint. Photography seems like a good fit.”

Over the last 10 years, he’s produced a wonderful array of calendars, featuring some of the most beautiful landscapes you’ll find anywhere. He’s printed 400 to 500 calendars and sent them all over the world.

“I love taking my camera outside,” he said. “There are challenges everywhere…A lot of my work is donated to the Audubon Society, Save the Bay, and the National Wildlife Federation.”

Since then, Butch, who was also interested in cars, entered various contests including the U.S. Formula 1 Grand Prix at Watkins Glen, N.Y. and the Warren Summer Festival Art at Don’s Art Shop Show, which won honorable mention.

“I shoot, basically, for myself,” he admitted. ”Every photo I take is a thrill. The best picture I take will be tomorrow…always. Once I figured I’ve taken my best picture, it will be time to quit.”