Michael John Putis

Michael John Putis (St. George) was born on June 29,1957 to John and Eleanor Putis (now deceased) in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. He was educated there culminating in a Bachelor of Arts degree In Education from Fitchburg State University. He pursued his interest in education, remaining in the area and teaching at various Catholic schools. Michael then decided to pursue his interest in fashion by becoming a private buyer for high-end male clients at Macys. He soon decided to pursue a higher calling and began working for the Caring Community of Connecticut, an organization that supported physically and mentally challenged individuals in the community. Through his more than 15 years with Caring Community he worked in many positions working his way into providing direct support for the senior operational manager of the organization.

In 2002, Michael met his future husband Carl Young while on vacation in Provincetown, Massachusetts, The two pursued a long-distance relationship for several years until Michael decided to move to New York telling his boss at the Caring community that "sometimes you just have to follow your heart." Michael moved to New York knowing few people except his then boyfriend. He was hired in his first interview by United Cerebral Palsy of New York City. Finally, on April 27, 2012, Michael and Carl were married in a beautiful ceremony on Staten Island. Through his years at UCP, Michael worked in several managerial positions. As Michael grew, so too did the organization. UCP merged with several similar organizations and become Adapt Community Network. By the time of his retirement, Michael was responsible for all clinical services at Adapt.

Michael enjoyed his too brief retirement. He and his husband travelled extensively and ate well at a number of fine dining establishments across the country. The two were also partial owners of two successful bars in Chelsea, NY (running now for over 20 years) and in Wilton Manors, Florida.

Michael is survived by his husband, Carl Young, from Massachusetts his sisters and their spouses, Patricia and Michael Gendron and Kristine and Kevin Caravella, five nieces and a nephew and several grandnieces and grandnephews. He is also survived by Patrick and Diane Young, Mary Anne and Patrick Hinton, Beth and Ralph Rotella, Michael Young, Sheila and Joe Golden, five nephews and two nieces.