Oliver Putnam Marcotte

Oliver Putnam Marcotte

Oliver Putnam Marcotte, devoted husband, father, grandfather, dentist, educator, and innovator, was born on September 12, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan. At the heart of Oliver's life was his enduring love for his wife, Sally Marie Berndt, the love of his life and his partner for more than 60 years.

Oliver and Sally were married on July 23, 1965, in Adrian, Michigan, and shared a marriage defined by deep affection, mutual respect, humor, and unwavering support. Together they built a full and joyful life centered on family, learning, service, and shared curiosity. Their bond was the foundation of everything Oliver valued most.

Oliver was the eldest child of Oliver Leandre Joseph Marcotte and Marcia Louise Putnam and grew up on a 40-acre farm in Southfield, Michigan, alongside his sisters, Elizabeth Louise and Marcia Ann. He attended St. Michael's Elementary School, University of Detroit High School, and the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where he graduated in 1960 with a degree in clinical psychology and was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.

Following graduation, Oliver served in the United States Air Force Reserve with the 45th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron at Selfridge Air Force Base, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant before his honorable discharge. He returned to the University of Michigan to earn his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1967.

Oliver practiced dentistry in Southfield and Farmington Hills for 45 years and also served as an adjunct professor of clinical dentistry at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. He was a founding member of the Jonathan Taft Honorary Dental Society, a prolific lecturer in the United States and Europe, a past president of several professional dental organizations, and a contributing editor for Dental Economics magazine.

Always an innovator, Oliver earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Madonna College and, in the early 1970s, developed one of the first computerized dental office management systems in the country. Marketed as the Command Dental System, it was widely adopted throughout the Great Lakes region, including the University of Michigan School of Dentistry.

Beyond his professional achievements, Oliver gave generously of his time and talents. He served as a trustee of Detroit Country Day School and later as a member of the Resident Advisory Council at Fox Run Village. His many interests included woodworking, photography, genealogy, cooking, architecture, and computer software-pursuits that reflected both his creativity and his lifelong love of learning.

Oliver and Sally were blessed with three children: Susan Louise Marcotte (married to Daniel Scott Luft), Elizabeth Ann Marcotte (married to Jeffrey John Zeiger), and William Putnam Marcotte (married to Amy Jean Wrobleski). He was a proud and loving grandfather to Ryan Luft, Emily Luft, Lily Marcotte, Maggie Zeiger, Emmett Marcotte, Jack Zeiger, and Quinn Marcotte.

Oliver will be remembered above all as a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, a generous teacher, and a man of warmth, intellect, and boundless enthusiasm for life. Gregarious and openly affectionate, he formed deep and lasting connections wherever he went. His life leaves a lasting legacy rooted in his faith, his unwavering commitment to family, and his service to the communities he was part of-through education, mentorship, and leadership. He touched countless lives not only through his professional accomplishments, but through his kindness, curiosity, and genuine care for others.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sally; his three children; and his seven grandchildren.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Name Catholic Church, 630 Harmon Street, Birmingham, Michigan, at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 24th, followed by a reception at Orchard Lake Country Club, 5000 West Shore Drive, Orchard Lake.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Oliver's memory to the Oliver P. Marcotte University of Michigan School of Dentistry Endowment Fund. The family is collaborating with the School of Dentistry to establish the endowed fund.

While Oliver's endowment fund is in the process of being created, all gifts shall be made to the pending fund (School of Dentistry - Pending - 364844) and will be automatically transferred to the newly established endowment once it is open. Donors will receive direct communication and updates throughout this process.

When making donations, please indicate the gift to Oliver Marcotte. giving.umich.edu