Douglas T. Putnam

1931 - 2014

Douglas Tyler Putnam, 83, a former Hartford stockbroker and active community member in the Hartford area, died peacefully in his West Hartford home on Saturday, August 23, 2014. Doug lived in the greater Hartford area nearly all his life, marrying Ann Fisher in 1954 and raising their four children in West Hartford. He was a dedicated family man, ardent community member and an avid learner of American history throughout his life. In both his personal and professional life, Doug was known for his honorable principles, optimistic outlook, classic gentleman's style and sense of humor. Born April 24, 1931 in Hartford, Connecticut, Doug was the son of Julia and Lyonel Putnam. He attended Kingswood School, Pomfret School '49 and completed a post- graduate year at Loomis School before entering Yale. While at Yale, Doug was affiliated with Timothy Dwight College and was an active member of the crew team. After graduating in 1954, Doug enlisted in the army and served in Germany for two years. Early in his professional career, Doug worked for Paine Weber in Boston before he returned and settled in West Hartford to work in the family stock brokerage business, Putnam & Company in Hartford. Later he became a partner for Advest and ended his career at RBC Dain Rauscher in Hartford. Over the years, Doug gave his time generously to local organizations. He was a committed member of many boards, often managing their finances and investments including Connecticut Forest & Park Association, The Salvation Army and the International Farm Youth Exchange (IFYE). He presided over the development of the Seabury Retirement Community as Chairman of the Board for Seabury Church Homes of Hartford. Doug served as President for the Connecticut Chapter of the Society of the Cincinnati and the Colonel Daniel Putnam Association in Danielson, Connecticut. He was also a member of the Connecticut Society of the Order of the Founders & Patriots of America and a board member of the Ancient Burying Ground Association. A longtime active member of the Republican Party, he was elected State Senator for the 5th district between 1977-1979. Doug was a life-long member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Hartford and served on its Vestry for several years. He was a trustee of the Pequot Chapel, New London, Connecticut. Doug was a member of the Dauntless Club, the Freemasons Moriah Lodge #15, Brooklyn, Connecticut and the University Club of Hartford. Doug was a dedicated blood and platelets donor to the Red Cross. Outside his professional and community involvements, Doug was a devoted husband and father who was happiest when he was with family and friends engaged in lively conversations. Doug is survived by his beloved wife Ann of over 60 years; his four children, Dr. Andrew Putnam and his wife Maria Markham, Jennifer Putnam and her husband Chris Mathany, Susan and her husband Dr. Karl Lamprecht, and Tim Putnam and his wife Celeste. He also leaves nine grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 29th at 11 a.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 120 Sigourney Street in Hartford. The burial will be held in the family plot at the Old Trinity Church Cemetery, Brooklyn, Connecticut and will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross, CT Chapter, 209 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06032 or to Trinity Episcopal Church 120 Sigourney Street, Hartford, CT 06105. James T. Pratt Funeral Service is assisting Doug's family with arrangements. For online expressions of sympathy please visit www.desopo.com.