William Paul Putnam, aka “Uncle Bill”, of Watertown

WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) - William Paul Putnam, aka “Uncle Bill”, of Watertown, NY, formerly Eden Prairie, Minnesota, passed away on November 22, 2023, after a long battle with cancer.

Bill was born on October 9, 1950, to the parents of Whit and Alice Putnam of Ogdensburg. Bill loved to work at his father’s store, Whit’s on Ford Street, during his high school years. He graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in June of 1969 where he played baseball, basketball and was proud to play and be the captain of the football team.

Bill graduated with a bachelor’s degree from The Rochester Institute of Technology and later in life, a master’s degree from Hamline University. Bill worked for General Dynamics for 37 years as a Diagnostics Engineer and a Supervisor where he was involved in many projects like rebuilding fighter jets computer systems adding ten years to the life as well as building new computer systems for space shuttles. Bill loved his job, having just retired in September of 2021 at the age of 71.

On December 21, 1971, Bill married the absolute love of his life, Lynn Havrisky. They were married for 50 years prior to her passing in March of 2021. Bill and Lynn lived out their dream of building the home they lived in for 37 years in Eden Prairie, MN. Bill and his loving wife, Lynn, did a great deal of traveling via their Airstream camper around the country with a special fondness for Yellowstone National Park where they visited often! Over the past few years, Bill reunited with his childhood friends and enjoyed spending time with them, Dick Sovie of Ogdensburg & Judy Velochi of Lisbon. He had planned to make a trip to Yellowstone in the spring with his dear friend, Dick Sovie. Unfortunately, Bill was taken much too soon and will be missed dearly by his family and friends.

Bill and his wife Lynn did not have children but had several nieces and nephews that they loved dearly. His nephews: Bob (Karen) Dupree of South Carolina, Jim (Carole) Dupree of Ogdensburg, Chris (Lori) Putnam, Jeremy (Lisa) Putnam and Brett (Karrie) Putnam all of Ohio. His nieces: Sue (Jim) Bertrand, Marti Dupree, Patty (Chris) Robbins all of Ogdensburg, and Amy (Putnam) Troyer of Ohio.

Bill is survived by his niece Shelly and her husband Randy Fulkerson whom he lived with in Watertown since 2021 when they helped him transition from Minnesota to NY. Bill loved spending time with his family and enjoyed visiting local restaurants with Shelly & Randy; they shared a great deal of love and laughter.

Bill is also survived by his sister, Judy and her husband Butch Dupree of Ogdensburg, NY, his brother Joe Putnam and his wife Nancy of Massillon, Ohio and his brother-in-law Mike Havrisky of Tupper Lake, NY. He is predeceased by his wife, Lynn, his parents Whit & Alice Putnam, and his brother Richard Putnam.

There will be a “Celebration of Life” on Saturday, December 2nd from Noon until 4 pm at our home, 475 Bugbee Drive, Watertown, NY.

Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham St., Watertown, NY 13601.

Online condolences may be made at www.carpenterstoodley.com.