Ralph "Andy" Putnam

Ralph Andrew “Andy” Putnam, 72, of South Dennis, MA, formerly of Thompson, CT, passed away on Sunday, June 19th, 2022 at Cape Cod Hospital. Despite the many health challenges Andy faced throughout his life, he approached every obstacle with fortitude and perseverance that was admired by all who knew him.

Andy was born on January 16, 1950 in Putnam, CT, son to the late Ford L. Putnam Jr., and Marjorie Kilborn Putnam.

He is survived by his wife, Janice (Bernier) Putnam; children, Zachary Andrew Putnam and his wife Alyssa Copp-Putnam, and Lauren Deanna Putnam and her fiancé David Finn; and siblings, Lynda LaRoche and her husband Donat LaRoche, and Debbie Poulin and her husband Scott Sherman. Andy also leaves his brother-in-law, Robert Bernier; several nieces and nephews and their families; his dear friend, Dr. Stephen Peverly and family; and many other lifelong friends from Connecticut to California. Andy was predeceased by siblings Ford L. Putnam III, Marjorie Chapdelaine, Cheryl Harvard, Marilyn Talaga, and Robert Putnam.

Andy graduated from Tourtellotte Memorial High School in 1968. He attended WITI, worked for C&S Wholesale Grocers, and he was a member of Teamsters Local 170 in Worcester. Jan and Andy married on December 4, 1971, and recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Andy’s world revolved around his family. From coaching Thompson rec basketball and videoing everything- dance recitals, practices, games- to volunteering his time to American Legion baseball. His life’s joys were sharing in his children’s accomplishments and spending time with his family and friends.

Andy loved watching Boston sports teams, horse racing, and reruns of This Old House, as well as playing cards, and taking road trips in the red van. He loved his pup, Skippy, who was his shadow. His dream was to travel to Alaska, which Jan and Andy visited by cruise in 2010.

Andy’s final wish to all of us would be to spend time with our loved ones, and to “ride the wave”.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the charity of your choice, or to UMass Memorial in memory of Andy Putnam to support patient care at: UMass Memorial Health Office of Philanthropy 365 Plantation Street, One Biotech Worcester, MA 01605 or donate.umassmemorial.org

Memorial services will be private. To share a memory or leave a condolence, please visit www.doanebealamesdennis.com .