Herbert Henry Putnam

1932 - 2025

Herbert (Herbie) Henry Putnam, beloved husband, father, papa, friend, uncle, and veteran, passed away on November 1, 2025 at his home in North Adams, at the age of 93.

Born in Clarksburg on August 31, 1932, son of Amos and Agnes Putnam, he was educated in Clarksburg, and a proud member of the Drury High School Class of 1951. Herbie worked at Sprague Electric before enlisting in the United States Navy. He served during the Korean Conflict on the USS Fessenden and was honorably discharged in 1956. Herbie was employed by New England Power Company for 30 years until his retirement. He raised his family in North Adams, and enjoyed camping during the summer, especially in Maine and Canada. Herbie enjoyed attending his children's sporting events, and helped with maintenance and mowing at Camp Ashmere on Saturdays during the summer.

Herbie was married to Donna (Lanoue) Putnam for 66 years, together they built a loving home filled with faith, laughter, and strength. Above all, Herbie was a family and Christian man. He was deeply proud of his children and adored his grandchildren

Herbie and Donna spent their retirement years as snowbirds in Zephryhills, FL and in North Adams, MA during the summer, making many dear, lifelong friends along the way. They traveled the world and enjoyed riverboat cruises and cross-country trips with their family and friends. He enjoyed singing in the choir both at the North Adams First Baptist Church and at the Zephyrhills Church.

He was predeceased by his wife Donna Faith (Lanoue) on June 9, 2024, and his sisters Esther Chilson and Carolyn Chilson, and brothers Amos Putnam, James Putnam, and Donald Putnam, and his in-laws Stanley Chilson, Eunice Putnam, Margaret Putnam and Hannah Putnam.

He leaves his loving children, a son, Allen Putnam and his wife, Beth of Atlantic Beach, FL; a daughter, Heather Boulger, and her husband Patrick of North Adams. He leaves his treasured grandchildren, Brittany Binder and her husband Michael of Jacksonville Beach; Ella Rose Wilcox and her husband, Greg of Alaska; and Conner Davis of Florida. He also leaves valued sisters-in-law, Joyce Lanoue and Janet Lanoue, and many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Herbie cherished his family and was proud of their accomplishments. He enjoyed spending the holidays watching his grandchildren grow. He especially enjoyed camping at family property up at the "Old Farm" in Winchester, NH and celebrating Labor Day with his entire extended Putnam family. Everyone loved "Uncle Herbie" and his wonderful bear hugs. He was a kind soul, and would help anyone needing assistance and never asked for anything in return. Herbie loved playing cards, completing puzzles, puttering, taking things apart, and solving problems. He made everyone feel at ease.

He loved his family and was a good friend to many. He was known for lending a helping hand or ear to all, for his compassion and good humor, and for his faith. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, and the example of resilience and kindness he set every day.

The family extends their great appreciation to their exceptionally compassionate home care team, who treated Herbie with dignity and respect; to the hospice and Amedisys nurses; and to Pastor Dave Anderson for his longtime support.

A memorial service for Herbert Putnam will be on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 10AM at the Flynn & Dagnoli West Chapels. Calling hours will take place from 8:30AM-10AM at the funeral home. A military burial will take place at 11AM for both Herbert Putnam and Donna Putnam at the family plot at Southview Cemetery. A celebration of Herbie & Donna's life will follow the memorial service.

Memorial donations are suggested for North Adams Ambulance Service or the First Baptist Church through the funeral home. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.