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R. ‘Dick’ Turcotte,
WWII vet
PUTNAM — Richard L. Turcotte, 93, of Church St., died Oct. 6, 2020. He was the husband of Jeannette Turcotte for 69 years. He was lucky enough to marry the “girl next door.” Born in 1927 in Putnam, he was the son of the late Albert and Mable (Danielson) Turcotte.
Richard was a U.S. Navy veteran who served during WWII. After serving his country, he worked as a sales manager for Mathieu Ford, Cormier Larrow Plymouth and he also worked as a machinist for Burmer Tool and Die and Gobeille Tool. Richard enjoyed golf and woodworking.
Richard is the oldest living past commander of the American Legion Post #13, a lifetime member of the Putnam Elks, VFW Post #1523 and a past president of the Putnam Lions Club and Putnam Chamber of Commerce.
In addition to his wife, he leaves his sister Ruth Stevenson (Todd); his nephews, Jeffery Brassard (Laurie), James Brassard, Robert Brassard, Peter McLearn (Gwenn), Douglas Turcotte (Susan); his nieces, Debra Hodge (Jim), and Donna McLearn, and Holly Brassard; grandnephew, Brandon and great-niece Brittany.
The Mass of Christian Burial is at noon Oct. 31 in St. Mary Church of the Visitation, with burial with military honors in St. Mary Cemetery.
Donations: Tri-Town American Legion Baseball, Attn: Everett G. Shepard III, P.O. Box 262, N. Grosvenordale, CT. 06255. Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Paul R. Olmstead,
Marine vet
CAPE CORAL, Fla. — Paul R. Olmstead, 75, formerly of Putnam, died unexpectedly Oct. 1, 2020, at Lee Memorial Hospital. He was the husband of 46 years to the love of his life, Connie (LaBonte) Olmstead. Born in 1945 in Webster, he was the son of the late Robert and Viola (Roberge) Olmstead.
Paul was a proud veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, serving four years of active duty and 16 years as a reservist.
He was a member of the American Legion and VFW.
Paul was employed as a machinist by the METSO Company of Worcester for 34 years.
Paul was a die-hard Red Sox fan and an avid collector of shot glasses and beer steins.
He leaves his wife Connie; his daughter, Mary Olmstead of San Jacinto, Calif.; his two brothers, Lucien Olmstead of Webster and Robert Olmstead of California; his sister, Theresa Duby of Cape Coral; his brother-in-law, Gerald LaBonte of Virginia; two grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Paul was predeceased by his son, Raymond Olmstead; his daughter, Christy Olmstead; and his brother, Norman Olmstead.
Visitation is at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 23 in Valade Funeral Home & Crematory, 23 Main St. N. Grosvenordale, with a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. in St. Joseph Church, N. Grosvenordale. Burial follows in St. Joseph Cemetery.
Please adhere to social distancing guidelines and wear a face covering.
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