Rory S.W. Putnam, 54, of Windham, ME, passed away on Monday, March 30, 2026 at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston after a long struggle with heart disease.
Born on February 15, 1972 to the late Frank W. Putnam, III and the late Jane S. Chevers, he was the youngest of his siblings. In his early years, Rory acquired a love of history and the outdoors from his father. As a member of the Boy Scouts, Rory never shied from adventure or leadership, whether camping in the snow, canoeing the Allagash or serving as a counselor at Camp Hinds in Raymond, ME, and Camp Squanto in Plymouth, MA. He earned his Eagle Scout award with Troop 633 of Brunswick, ME.
After graduating from Falmouth High School in Falmouth, MA, Rory became an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and later a paramedic and EMT instructor. He worked for private and public ambulance services, including American Medical Response and the Town of York, ME; served as Assistant Fire-EMS Chief for Falmouth, ME; and taught at Northern Essex Community College. He founded Atlantic Life Safety Services, providing first aid and CPR instruction for public and private organizations, and was often featured as a speaker and instructor at EMS conferences across the northeast United States. At the time of his passing, he was the EMT educator at the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology.
Rory found the love of his life in Olida Arnoe, formerly of Fall River, MA, whom he married on September 25, 2004. They have shared a love of music, good food, the company of friends, and their rabbits.
In his adult years, Rory's love of the outdoors led him to acquire a Lyman runabout which he christened, "Ceilidh Mara." He was never alone on the boat because he never hesitated to treat family and friends to a trip on the water. He also enjoyed all things Scottish, to the point of attending Scottish festivals in his kilt.
Rory is survived by his wife Olida; sister Heather E.S. Goliber and her husband Christopher of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL [formerly of Tygsborough, MA]; his brother, Brent V.W. Putnam and his wife Rebecca of West Palm Beach, FL (formerly of Falmouth, MA); nieces Brigitta, Katarina and Kaytlen,; and nephews Andrew and Grayson, and grandnieces Lilly and Lainey; aunts Susan Skinner and her husband Everett "Billy" of Wrentham, MA, and Sara Stapel, formerly of Boxborough, MA; and numerous cousins, colleagues, friends and students.
Rory will be missed, but not forgotten.
A wake will be held on Monday, April 13, 2026 from 4-6 P.M. at the Potter Funeral Home, 81 Reed Rd., Westport, MA 02790.
A funeral to which relatives and friends are invited will be Tuesday, April 14, 2026 from the Potter Funeral Home at 8:30 A.M. followed by a Mass at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 1956 Main Rd., Tiverton, RI 02878 at 10 A.M.
Interment to follow at Beech Grove Cemetery, Westport, MA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Donate Life America at https://donatelife.net/