Darwin Lindsay Putnam

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Darwin "Bud" Lindsay Putnam. Darwin passed away peacefully with family on his side and went to the Lord on Memorial Day May 29, 2023 while staying at the Little Falls Hospital after a courageous battle with a long illness.

Darwin was born on January 15, 1938 in the Town of Frankfort New York to the late Sidney Darwin Putnam and Mildred Lindsay Putnam. He graduated from Mohawk Central High School and worked on the family farm with his father, uncle, and brothers, then followed his father’s footsteps (and his Uncle Darwin B’s) continuing as the second generation of Putnam Dairy Farms (established in 1927), where he owned and operated the farm raising registered Holstein Dairy Cattle since 1968. ‘Bud’ was a life-long resident of Frankfort operating the farm as a dairy until 1996, and then had since ‘semi-retired’ to own and operate the Putnam Manor House Bed and Breakfast with his wife Patty in Herkimer NY until 2006. Bud always continued to help operate the farm with his son Jon, to help him carry on the family farming tradition as the third generation, raising registered Aberdeen Angus beef cattle.

Bud was a legend, who enjoyed the agricultural industry throughout his whole life, and was proud to be a dairy farmer and steward of the land while raising his family on the farm. Bud won numerous Dairy of Distinction Awards throughout his years as a dairyman; a program that enhances consumer confidence in the dairy industry by recognizing the hard work and efforts of all Northeast dairy farmers. Bud meticulously cared for the farm and livestock throughout his years, along with his brother-in-law and ‘right hand man’, Joseph Ralph Loiacano, who helped him farm for over 54-years.   

Bud was an avid reader of agriculture and business journals, loved to talk agriculture, politics, markets, and reminisce about the past (with anyone), and frequent farm, machinery, and livestock auctions. He was well known to have a wealth of knowledge that he loved to share with all his family, friends, neighbors, and business associates. He also was an avid Buffalo Bills fan, World War II buff and fond of rare and fine antiques, which he and his wife collected throughout the years.   

Bud was of Baptist Faith, a past active member of the Free and Accepted Masons Grand Lodge Olive Branch Ilion, NY, the Yahnundahsis Bodies AASR - Valley of Utica, a Shriner with the Ziyara Temple of Utica NY, Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks- Ilion Lodge, Smithsonian Institution National Associate Member, National Wildlife Federation National Associate member, National Arbor Day Foundation, National Geographic Society, Associate Member of the American Museum of Natural History, Republican Presidential Task Force Life Member, and lifelong member of the New York State Farm Bureau. 

Bud leaves his devoted wife Patsy (Patty) Darlene Putnam (Loiacano) of 54 years, son Darwin S. Putnam, daughter Tammy Sue Putnam, son Jon Russell Putnam, granddaughter Sydney Putnam and Lexi, and three other siblings; Barbara, Beverly, and Donald Putnam, including numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws. He also leaves his three special feline friends; Socks (a.k.a. MooSockie), Pickles (a.k.a. Picklet), Lucky, and canine friend ‘L.A. dog’, Clancey.    

Bud was predeceased by his two brothers, Dr. Sidney (Joyce) Putnam, of Berkeley California and Bozeman Montana, and James David (Thelma) Putnam of Frankfort NY.

Bud would like to extend many thanks to Dr. Canary, Arlene, and Mindy of the Cancer Institute of the Bassett Healthcare Network, the staff at Central NY Cardiology, and most recently to The Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital of Little Falls Third Floor staff for their exceptional care and support during his stay.

In keeping Bud’s wishes, there will be a private family service and celebration of his life being planned and scheduled for a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, American Cancer Society, and the American Heart Association, or just plant a memorial tree or share a story, memory or photo in his Legacy.com guestbook.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Mohawk Valley Funerals and Cremations, 7507 State Route 5, town of Manheim, Little Falls, 315-508-5131.