Bruce C. Putnam, Jr.

SUTTON MA/WASHINGTON N.H - LTCDR Bruce Colin Putnam, JR..82, passed away on TUESDAY, APRIL 30TH at UMASS MEDICAL CENTER, Worcester MA.

He leaves his wife of 25 years Patricia Proctor Fitton Putnam of Sutton, his children Bruce Colin III, Shane, and Jodi of Surprise AZ, grandson Ryder Glidden who lived with him in Sutton, siblings Martin and his wife Janet of Washington N.H., Deborah Putnam Reynolds of Sutton, Heather Putnam-Graham and her husband Steve of Little Compton R.I., a brother in law Albert Replogle of Carson City NV, grandchildren and great grandchildren along with  many nieces and nephews, including his niece Erin Ford and husband Dean Danforth of Sutton/Washington, NH who were by his side through his illness.

Bruce was predeceased by his parents Bruce Colin Sr. and Christine (Hunt) Putnam, his son Scott Putnam and grandson Mason of El Cajon, CA. and a sister Bonnie Replogle of Carson City NV.

Fondly known to many by Admiral, Commander, Man, Grumpy, Colin, and most affectionately Hurricane, Bruce graduated from Sutton Memorial High School, class of 1958. Upon graduation, he proudly enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 17. His major accomplishments while  serving were, rising from enlisted man to Lieutenant Commander during his 31 year career giving him the designation of Mustang, graduating from National University, becoming a Main Propulsion Assistant, nine tours in Vietnam, serving on nine different ships including his first ship the USS Intrepid, which retrieved two returning NASA capsules from the Mercury and Gemini missions, his last ship the USS New Jersey, and his favorite ship the USS Hull, while traveling the world.

After retiring from the Navy, he started his second passion becoming a sawyer and running his own sawmill. Milling wood for his own log cabin and barns, later supplying product to friends and associates until his final days.

Bruce was well known for his love of fishing and hunting in Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire. He particularly enjoyed having coffee with his friends every morning. His infectious smile, easy demeanor, and helpful nature will be missed.

"Fair winds and following seas, shipmate, we have the watch, you stand relieved."

All are welcome to celebrate Bruce’s life by joining his family for a funeral service at the First Congregational Church, 307 Boston Road, Sutton MA, on Saturday May 11th at 11:00AM. Burial with military honors will follow at Pigeon Hill Cemetery in Sutton.  

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation at https://t2t.org/