PUTNAM, David Ward Christopher of Old Orchard Beach, ME and Newton Centre, MA on November 1, 2018.
David was born in Boston, Massachusetts on October 8, 1939 and was educated at The Fessenden School, Philips Exeter Academy, Cornell University, and Boston University from which he received a degree in Economics in 1964. He served his country in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, stationed in the United States and Germany, before completing his education at Boston University. He spent summers in Maine, once working as a milkman for Old Tavern Dairy. He met his wife, Yvette, while working at Mercy Hospital in Portland, ME.
David spent his entire adult life working in the investment industry. In 1965, he began work at the F.L. Putnam & Company investment brokerage firm in downtown Boston. In 1969, he founded Boston Security Counsellors, Inc. He also worked for Burgess & Leith Companies as a Senior Vice President and was President of The Advest Advantage Investment Trusts before resurrecting the F.L. Putnam name and becoming President of the F.L. Putnam Investment Management Company in 1984.
During that time, he developed a methodology for Socially Responsible Investing. He continued working for F.L. Putnam Investment Management Company in various capacities until his passing. He was also heavily involved with the Asian American Bank and Trust Company in Boston in the 1990s and early part of the 2000s.
Highly regarded for his integrity, business acumen, and prudence, David served as a trustee for many individuals throughout New England and New York and served on many boards throughout his life. Some of his longest board engagements were with Mercy Hospital in Portland, ME, Eastern Mercy Health System, Notre Dame Health Care Center in Worcester, MA, and St. Joseph’s College in North Windham, ME. He also had a longstanding relationship with Ursuline Academy, in Dedham, MA, where both of his daughters attended and his granddaughter is currently a student. He chaired the Board of Directors at Ursuline for 10 years and continued serving in many different capacities until his passing.
David was predeceased by his parents Frederic L. and Margaret (Wilson) of Newton Centre, MA. He was the loving husband of 51 years to Yvette (Moreau) of Newton Centre, MA; father to Gretchen and her wife Melissa Dimond of Gloucester, MA, and Meredith and her husband Mark Lepper of Wellesley, MA; devoted grandfather to Ari, Ben, and Dana. He is also survived by two sisters, Margaret Gail and her husband William Barney of Old Orchard Beach, ME and Patricia Putnam of Lincolnville, ME and his brother John Stephen Putnam of Tarpon Springs, FL. David was predeceased by siblings Frederic L. Putnam, Jr. and Gladys Kelley. He is survived by many nieces and nephews.
David was a true gentleman, thoughtful, kind, and generous. He enjoyed music, particularly classical, the way the wind would howl and stir up the surf during storms at the beach, and the antics of his three grandchildren. His love and guidance will be missed by many. Burial was private, at the request of the family.
Donations in Mr. Putnam’s memory can be made to any of his grandchildren’s schools: Ursuline Academy, 85 Lowder Street, Dedham, MA 02026, ursulineacademy.net; Waring School, 35 Standley Street, Beverly, MA 01915, waringschool.org; Xaverian Brothers High School, 800 Clapboardtree Street, Westwood, MA 02090, xbhs.com.