The name “Schontz” has been prominent in Butler politics for four decades.

Richard J. Schontz Jr. closed that chapter Thursday night with his final city council meeting, but not without fanfare.

It was “Schontz Appreciation Day” and Mayor Tom Donaldson commended both councilman Richard J. Schontz Jr. and his father, former Butler councilman and mayor Richard J. Schontz Sr.

Both were at the meeting, and Donaldson presented Schontz Jr. with an award for his services to the city.

Donaldson also used the occasion to honor the elder Schontz for his long service to the city.

“Whereas Butler, Pennsylvania, is a community that fosters innovation and creativity through leadership, Richard Schontz Sr. has been vital to the community in various capacities from councilman to mayor,” Donaldson said, while adding that Schontz Sr. has a “strong work ethic” and a “volunteer spirit.”

Schontz Sr. was the mayor from 1986-1990 and from 1994-2002.

Schontz Jr. had very admiring words for his father, calling him a “tremendous inspiration” and recalling fondly the days when he was his father’s campaign manager.

“He showed me that you have to take on the tough issues, be honest, and he always did what was right for the city,” he said. “Even if it wasn’t good for him politically, he never thought of that. The city was first.

“My dad’s really my hero. I saw how hard he fought through the years to represent the people, and how hard he fought to represent them well.”

Schontz Jr. also was reflective of his own time in politics; since 2010, he’s been the director of streets and public improvements on city council. In that time, he was instrumental in getting more than eight miles of city roads paved, and taking down more than 80 blighted properties.

“Your strength is in your neighborhoods,” he said.

“You have to keep them cleaned up. It’s just a big job for everybody.”

Schontz shared the credit.

“It was all these employees, all the mayors and council people that have been here. They’re dedicated. They love the city. They’re doing everything they can to make sure it’s safe for its citizens as well as to get the finances together so that we can provide all these services.”

After all the work, Schontz Jr. found Thursday a great way to go out.

“It was very touching,” he said. “I had to hold back a few tears there. It was special for my dad being there.

“My parents and my sister, my wife, we all kind of, 46 years ago, got involved together (in politics) and this is kind of the end of that era. The other people now are moving on with it, which is nice, but getting the award was very nice by (Tom Donaldson). And I really appreciate him recognizing my father.”