Conrad Straith Putzig

Conrad Straith Putzig, 87, died peacefully with his family by his side on June 17, 2022, in Sleepy Hollow, NY. Affectionately known as "Putt," he was born in Dearborn, MI to Harold Conrad and Clara Mae (Straith) Putzig on June 2, 1935.
Conrad attended Greenfield Academy, a school established by Henry Ford, until it closed in 1952. Vice president of his senior class, choir member, and state champion in track and field hurdles, he graduated from Dearborn High in 1953. A Kappa Chi fraternity member, Conrad earned his Bachelor of Arts in 1957 at the College of Wooster in Ohio. After his graduation, he spent a year in Scotland studying at the School of Divinity at New College, University of Edinburgh. It was there that Conrad met his first wife, and mother of his three children, Margaret Graham of Edinburgh. They were married on May 31, 1958, before returning to the United States, where he subsequently earned a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary, a Master of Sacred Theology from Boston University, and a Master of Science from Western Connecticut State College. For nearly two decades he served as the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Mahopac, NY. He dedicated himself to youth ministry, the civil rights and anti-nuclear movements, and worked to bring home those who fought in Vietnam. With his knowledge of the Hebrew and Greek languages he was active in the development of the Good News Bible. Later in his career he worked as a pastoral counselor and addictions counselor. He was also the chaplain for the Carmel, NY fire department.
Conrad was committed to helping people in need. He delivered food to the homeless in New York City and volunteered at food pantries and children's organizations in Putnam and Westchester Counties. He loved music, pie and ice cream, the beaches of Cape Cod, kayaking, hiking, long bike rides, and camping.
He is survived by a loving family: daughter Gwen Pier and her husband Arthur "Woody" Pier of Manhattan; son Bruce Graham and his wife Debra Coleman of Connecticut; son Eric Putzig and his partner Briana McLaughlin of Spain; step-granddaughters Emily and Katherine Pier; nephew Mark Putzig; and niece Heidi Hassen. He is preceded in death by his former spouse, Margaret Graham, and brother Duane Trevor Putzig.
A celebration of his life will take place, at a date to be determined, in his home state of Michigan.
Kindly consider a donation in memory of Conrad to the First Presbyterian Church of Mahopac http://www.mahopacchurch.org/, or to a charity of your choice.
Conrad was a gentle soul who will be sorely missed by those he loved and leaves behind.