Joseph Clyde Putnam

Mr. Joseph Clyde Putnam, of Niagara Falls, NY and Largo, FL, died peacefully on Sunday, August 17, 2014, under the care of his family and Niagara Hospice at age 92. He was born in Niagara Falls, NY on January 13, 1922, the son of the late Jesse and Rose (Martin) Putnam.

After graduating from Niagara Falls High School, Joe enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country during World War II. He worked as a Machinist’s Mate, 2nd Class, on the U.S.S. Willard Keith, a destroyer ship sailing in the western Pacific. When the war ended in 1945, Joe was honorably discharged so he returned home to Niagara Falls and enrolled at Niagara University.

Joe worked at DuPont and retired as a Maintenance Supervisor in 1975. As a young man, he was a talented basketball player. Joe loved the game and played ball in high school, college, and even played recreationally while in the Navy; he also coached CYO basketball. Joe’s other interests included playing cards and he was a Life Master at Bridge. As an avid golfer and fisherman, Joe enjoyed taking vacations with his family to Cole’s Point and other fishing spots throughout southern Ontario.

Joe married Florence Margaret Murphy on August 3rd, 1946 and they were married for 54 years until Florence’s passing in 2001. Together, they raised five children: Michael (Kathleen) Putnam of Fuquay-Varina, NC, Mary Jo Whitehead of Whitney Point, NY, Janice (Doug) Fitzgerald of Lake Clear, NY, Chuck Putnam and Carole (Dale) Rossi both of Niagara Falls, NY. Joe is also survived by fourteen grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters Ruth, Margaret, Marie, and Monica and by his brothers Jim and Chuck. Joe will be remembered for his sense of humor, his devotion to his family, and for being a great storyteller.

Friends are invited to attend a memorial mass in Joe’s honor on Thursday, August 28 at 10:00 AM at St. Peter’s Church, 620 Center Street, Lewiston, NY. Should friends desire, the family requests that memorials be made to Niagara Hospice, Inc., 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport, NY.

Please sign guest register at www.sherriefuneralhome.com and leave a condolence for the family.