Phil Butacci was the actor happy to wear the Mr. Floatie costume in all events, including HEALtheHARBOR.com videos and Rye City Council meetings. Phil, a long time amateur comedian and band member, was also the solo vocal artist in the Mr. Floatie parody songs. Phil’s wife Laura served Mr. Floatie’s handler, guiding the 8 foot tall costume, which was difficult to maneuver and had limited sight range.

The Floatie costume was equipped with a battery operated fan installed in the hat to keep Phil cool during his many hours of sitting at City Council meetings.

Mr. Butacci was commissioned by President Ronald Reagan in 1980 as an aviation structural mechanic aboard the USS Ranger- a 5,000 man U.S. Naval Air Craft Carrier. After his first week aboard, while traveling across the Indian Ocean, Phil was blown overboard by an extremely strong gust of wind as he stood duty on the fan tail deck. With the threat of shark attacks in the shark infested waters, Phil was swiftly rescued by the Navy Seal Helicopter Unit as fellow shipmates shot at the dozens of sharks from the flight deck.

Phil now lives happily at home in New Rochelle New York with his wife Laura. He has been a devoted member of the Music Ministry at the Calvary Center Church since 1976.