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Harvey Putterman Obituary

Harvey passed away on 9/3/23. Born in Connecticut in 1935, Harvey was an English teacher at Plainville High School for thirty-three years, the last sixteen of which he served as Chairman of the English Department. After retirement in 1997, Harvey and his adoring wife Karen moved to Port Townsend, Washington, an area which they immediately embraced and found fulfilling.

Known for his weary and occasionally bizarre sense of humor, Harvey and his wife were enthusiastically accepted by the community by immersing themselves in local endeavors. Harvey was associated with the Youth Music Fund, an organization whose mission was to provide scholarships for deserving young musicians in Jefferson County, the last seven of which he served as President. He was a Precinct Committee Officer for the Democratic Party for four years and served on its Board as Fundraising Chairperson. He derived much satisfaction in working with the Developmentally Challenged Adults for four years as a Community Access Worker. He felt that his last undertaking, serving as Director of the Arts to Elders Program, was perhaps his most meaningful contribution. The program's mission was to involve the elderly residing in senior residences and care facilities in arts and humanities presentations. The basic objective was to stimulate the inherent capacity of elders to learn, think and act creatively.

Harvey leaves his wife Karen, 2 stepdaughters and three step grandchildren, and three nephews. No memorial service will be held. For those who so desire, donations may be sent to Jefferson Mental Health Services, 864 W Park Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368 or Northwind Art Center-Port Townsend, WA 98368

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Hartford Courant on Oct. 1, 2023.

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James Dorsey

March 17, 2025

One of my favorite teachers, R.I.P.

Robert J Testa

October 20, 2023

In the early 1980s I remember Mr. Putterman and I exchanging Baseball Trivia questions many times. He really knew his MLB. Glad to see he lived a good long-life.

Roberta Brown Lauria

October 2, 2023

Karen and Family. My sincere condolences on the passing of Mr. Putterman. He was one of my teachers in high school. I still fondly remember his classes and not just his teaching style but the wonderful stories he would tell us. Rest in peace Mr. Putterman.

Kathi Petit Phillips

October 2, 2023

I am so sorry for your family's loss. Harvey was a great teacher, friend and tennis instructor. We used to have so much fun during and after tennis at Norton Park, traveling to London my junior year of honors english, class times and at my wedding! He will be dearly missed . A truly great person of wonderful wit, sarcasm and fun

Shereen Edelson

October 2, 2023

Harvey was a wonderful person. A great intellect, inspiring teacher, a charismatic, witty, kind, and caring person. My condolences to his wife and all of his family and friends.

Shereen Edelson

Ernest Zike

October 2, 2023

Karen & Family: Sorry about Harvey. He was a good man, an excellent teacher, and a superb tennis partner! Ernest Zike

Jill Price

October 1, 2023

I met Harvey through a mutual group of friends going back so many years ago.

Harvey was also a school friend of my Cousin Carole´s.

You always remember the good people.

My condolences to Harvey´s family.

Bill Petit

October 1, 2023

Mr. Putterman,
Thank you for all your guidance, thoughtful teaching, and joie de vivre! We loved you as our teacher, confidante, and mentor. Rest in peace old friend.

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