Roger Wright Putnam, Jr.

Roger Wright Putnam, Jr.

February 02, 1936 - March 26, 2025

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Obituary

MADISON, Wis. / BUFFALO, N.Y. - Roger W. “Jerry” Putnam Jr. passed away peacefully on March 26, 2025, in Madison, Wis.


Roger, known to friends and family as “Jerry,” was born in Buffalo in 1936 and lived there for nearly all of his 89 years. He was a huge Bills fan and a beloved member of the community. His presence brought joy and warmth to many who knew him. Roger's dedication to his extended family was most notable.


He was known for his kindness, comedy and unwavering support for those around him. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the memories he created.


Roger was a proud graduate of Nichols School (1954), attended Willams College and served in the U.S. Army (Sergeant). His career path was as colorful as his personality and included work as a real estate agent, liquor store owner, director of the Mayor's Task Force on Property Crime, arson investigator and, finally, as a private investigator. He also relished his role as Sergeant at Arms for the Lorenzo Burrows Jr. American Legion Post 78 color guard. His professional accomplishments exemplified his adaptability and dedication.


Roger was preceded in death by his twin sister, Judith Smith; wife, Judy (nee Richards); and son, Edward “Ted” Putnam. He is survived by his son, Roger W. Putnam III; ex-wife, Diana Dillaway (mother of Ted and Roger); sister, Charlotte "Sunny" Davis; brother, Dr. Theodore Putnam; and sisters, Gail Putnam and Candice Rivet-Carnack. He was beloved by his grandchildren, Hana (Chakalian), Lucy and Ingrid; and great-grandchildren, Theo and Ole. Roger also leaves behind countless nieces, nephews and extended family who affectionately called him “Uncle Harry.”


Perhaps Roger’s most special achievement was playing tenor drum for the Caledonian Pipes and Drums marching band. He loved marching in parades and entertaining the crowds. Roger was a fountain of entertainment and witticism, always bringing laughter and joy to those around him.


As he liked to say about living life: “De gustibus non est disputandum.” To taste there is no dispute.  


A celebration of life gathering will be held at DUENDE AT SILO CITY, 85 Silo City Row, Buffalo, N.Y., from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. on Monday, July 7, 2025. For more information and online condolences, please visit www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420



Events

07
Celebration of Life
Mon Jul 7, 2025 @ 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM CDT
DUENDE AT SILO CITY • 85 Silo City Row, Buffalo, NY null
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Sue Oksman
Other •
I had the pleasure of getting to know Mr. Putnam when he was at the nursing home in Eden with his wife Judy many years ago. He was always such a remarkable man and he and Judy were a pleasure to spend time with. I am so very sorry for your loss as he was always so proud of his family and spoke of all of you often. He and Judy were two of my favorite people whose memory always brings a smile to my face. God bless you
EL
Elizabeth Lawson
Other •
We are sorry for the loss of Roger. Roger worked with our mother Clara Lawson at Buffalo Police Department. We have a lot of memories of Roger the stories he would tell , his kindness and respect for a few. Mom and Roger had their birthdays close together and even after retirement sent each other cards and kept in contact. He even visited her when she was in rehab after an illness. That was just part of his kindness. May he rest in peace and you be comforted with your fond memories of him and that many appreciated all he did. The Lawson family.
FT
Fred Turner
Other •
I first met Roger in September of 1950 when I enrolled as a freshman at Nichols School in Buffalo. Roger had attended the lower school at Nichols so new his way around. While he had a rather gruff exterior underneath he was kind and helpful. Roger was very loyal to Nichols, In later years we both served as class agents until he became ill. I was impressed with his ability to keep track of our widely dispersed classmates. I will miss Jerry. My condolences to his family. I regret that I will be out of town and unable to attend the celebration of his life on July 7th. Fred Tuner

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