Mr. Robert W. Putnam, 85, most recently of Dygert Road, Canajoharie, NY, died on May 14, 2026, following a battle with cancer.

Born on October 6, 1940, in the Town of Root, NY, he was the son of Clarence F. Putnam and Eva Reynolds Putnam. He attended Fort Plain High School and later served in the US Navy, becoming an Electronics Technician. Bob spent most of his life in the local area until he entered the service, returning after. For some years, Bob and his 1st wife, Bettye, had been spending winters in Zephyr Hills, Florida.

Mr. Putnam served in the US Navy from 1958 to 1976 as an Electronics Technician, serving on various ships and commands, including a tour in Vietnam. He retired from the Navy as a Senior Chief Petty Officer in 1976.

Following his service with the US Navy, Bob became the proprietor of the Bob Putnam Insurance Agency in Canajoharie, NY. He continued to work until his retirement in October 1995.

Bob was an assessor for the Town of Canajoharie for 4 years.

He was a member of the former Aldersgate Free Methodist Church and most recently attended the Marshville Evangelical Church.

Mr. Putnam was a member of the Smith-Schultz American Legion Post #222 in Canajoharie. He enjoyed camping, gardening, building things, watching "Wheel of Fortune", spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Bob was a family man.

On May 2, 1959, in Nelliston, NY, Bob was married to Bettye Jean Brooks.

He was preceded in death by his son, Gregory Putnam, on June 6, 2002, his first wife, Bettye Putnam, on March 5, 2017, and his second wife, Betty Jones, on April 17, 2024.

Mr. Putnam is survived by 2 sons, Robert J. and wife Michele Putnam, Sr. of Worcester, NY, Paul B. Putnam of Canajoharie, NY; 2 daughters, Robin and her husband Gordon Clark of Fort Plain, NY, Rebecca Hagadorn of St. Johnsville, NY; brother, James A. Putnam, Sr. of St. Johnsville, NY; 2 ½ sisters, Linda Rush of Troy, NY, Rochelle Car of Long Island, NY; step children Jennifer May (and Kevin), Rebecca Jones-Soodsma (and Steven), and Craig Jones; 11 grandchildren, Darcie A. Mabie, Kristen Lee, Robert Putnam, Jr. Megan Putriment, Ashley Krug, Kiara Putnam, Stacey Hagadorn, Jenna Hagadorn, Sarah Beth Hazelwood, Jessica Vicciarelli, Patience Putnam; 21 great grandchildren, Dillon and Katie, Brandon, Ashlynn, Jayden Johnson, Jordan, Jocelyn, Tyler, Bailey, Hayden, Lucas, Elizabeth, Liam, Wyatt, Rhett, Audrey, Logan, Connor, Jack and Niko and Mason; 1 great great grandchild, Waylon; nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, May 20th, 2026, at 5:00 PM at the Chapel of Houghtaling & Hanley Funeral Home, 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY, starting with military honors by the US Navy, and the Fort Plain Am Vets, with Rev. Dr. R. W. Williams and Pastor Mark Fowler officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends from 3:30-5:00 before the memorial service at the funeral home.

Contributions in memory of Mr. Robert W. Putnam may be made to the American Cancer Society, 260 Osborne Road, Loudonville, NY 12211, or the H.C. Benefit Club, 538 Crum Creek Rd, St Johnsville, NY 13452.