Stephen H. Putman

SOUTHBURY - Stephen Howard Putman, 64, of Southbury, CT and Miami, FL was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away peacefully at home on August 30th after a long and courageous battle with glioblastoma. Steve was born to Kelly Putman Richardson and the late Robert Putman, Jr. He grew up with lots of family and friends in the small town of Locust Valley, NY. 

Steve's dream of flying was sparked when he joined the Civil Air Patrol at the age of 12. In high school, he excelled at track and was a lifeguard at the beautiful Lattingtown Beach on the Long Island Sound.  He graduated in three years to pursue aviation.  

His next step was to become a student at Florida Institute of Technology and learn to fly.  He campaigned during his first week on campus by knocking on doors throughout his dorm and was elected Student Body President.  He earned a BS degree in Aeronautical Science.

Steve spent most of his career at UPS with over 30 years of service. As a result of his hard work, commitment to excellence, and making safety a priority, he was both a flight and training Captain on the Boeing 757/767 and later in his career on the 747.  He explored the world from the vantage point of his cockpit and liked to share his incredible views and experiences through conversations with his children, family, and friends. 

He earned a PhD from Barry University and then became an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where he met the challenges of teaching and mentoring adult students.
On the ground, Steve cherished spending time with his children and grandchildren. He encouraged and cheered for his children at sporting and school events.  He also travelled the world for fun with friends and family.  Steve will be remembered for his warmth, kindness, electric smile, generosity, and rich sense of humor.

Steve is predeceased by his father Robert Putman, Jr., his niece Sarah Putman-Labbe, his stepfather Walter Richardson, and his grandparents. He is survived by his partner Franco Figari, his mother Kelly Putman Richardson, his children Kristyn Guerra (Alvaro), Stephen, Jr., and Michael (Jessica), his grandchildren Matias, Nolan, Isabella, and Arya, his siblings Robert (Janet Myers), Chip (Joyce), Patrice (Jerry Casey), Andrea (Tom Szczerbinski), Todd Richardson (Victoria), and Lee Richardson and many nieces and nephews.

His family and friends will gather to celebrate Steve's life from 9:00 AM to 9:45 AM and his funeral will follow at 10:00 AM on Saturday, September 2nd at Sacred Heart Church, 910 Main St., Southbury, CT.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Steve's memory to Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute, 8900 N. Kendall Drive, Miami, FL 33176 or a charity of your choice. For directions or to leave a message of remembrance, please visit www.CarpinoCares.com. 

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