Philip E. Putnam

1940 - 2021

Philip E. Putnam, 81, passed away at his home in Canton, CT on September 4, 2021, surrounded by loving family. Born in Quincy, MA on April 27th, 1940, he was the beloved son of the late Harris and Mary (Scott) Putnam. Raised in Brighton, MA, he graduated from St. Columbkille High School in Brighton and Maryknoll Seminary in Glen Ellyn, IL prior to earning his Master's degree in Social Work from Fordham University in 1967, and his LCSW as well. From his first professional role as a community organizer in Nassau County, NY, Phil dedicated his career to social work in non-profit agencies and private practice. In his personal life, he devoted himself to the people and animals he deeply loved; he enjoyed both travelling and spending time at home with family and friends. In the early decades of his career, Phil served as a highly respected administrator and clinician in his chosen field. Beginning in 1974, he worked primarily for Catholic Charities in Hartford and New Britain, CT before retiring from agency service. Over the years he also cultivated a private practice for marriage, family and individual therapy, expanding his specialized expertise and enjoying the fulfillment of work he genuinely loved. He shared his gifts as a therapist until the spring of 2021. In over 50 years of social work practice, thousands of clients benefitted from his professional care. Friends, family and dearly loved pets thrived in Phil's care as well. A friend of Bill W. for decades, he cherished the affection and kinship that carried him through meetings and lasting friendships. He also enjoyed his social connections with colleagues and dear friends, including Angela and David Mazur, who were especially important to him. As for his family, he adored his devoted wife, Cindy Glasser. He also loved his daughters, Lisa Kirsche (Dennis) and Susan Bull (Richard), Cindy's daughter Stacey Cote (Stephen) and son Eric Violante (Jennifer), and his grandchildren: Jenny, MJ, Nikki, Jack, Matt, Sam, Michael and Danny. In addition, he loved his sisters Joyce Ballard (Michael) and Marcia Volk (Bob), as well as his nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members. His devotion to his dog Emerson underscored how much he connected with all animals who crossed his path in his lifetime. A celebration of life will be held for Phil on Saturday, September 18th at the Carmon Funeral Home & Family Center, 301 Country Club Road, Avon, CT 06001. Guests are welcome to arrive at 11:30AM for the 12:00PM service; guests are also encouraged to share their own experiences with Phil as part of the service. Burial arrangements will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Phil's memory may be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), P.O. Box 96929, Washington, D.C., 20090-6929. You may also remember him by cheering on the Boston Red Sox, reading a historical biography of several hundred pages, savoring a poem by Rumi, walking in Nature, supporting anyone who confronts addiction or mental illness, diving into rich conversation, serving others with an open heart or being totally present for those you love. To share a memory of Phil or leave a condolence message for his family, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.