Todd L. Putnam

Todd L. Putnam, 52 passed away peacefully on Friday, September 10, 2021 with his loving family by his side. Todd was the son of Carol Markowitz and the late Charles Putnam. Todd was the loving companion to Melissa Schulz for 19 years, father to his beloved children Sydney and Ryan, and his cherished dog Bailey.

Todd was an amazing father, partner, son, brother, uncle, friend, coach, racer and entrepreneur. He graduated from Columbia High school in 1987, and attended Hudson Valley Community College.

From the time Todd was a baby he spent the summer months at his grandparent's camp on Saranac Lake. He has very fond memories of his time spent there fishing, swimming and boating. At an early age Todd found that his passion was racing. He raced three wheelers during his teen years competing at the highest level before moving onto full size dirt car racing, go-carts, and radio-controlled cars. After college, Todd went on to learn the art of dismantling vintage post and beam barns to reconstruct the reclaimed wood into new houses. The finished homes were something he was very proud of. He then went on to work for Trinity Performance Products in their motor production department and was team manager traveling the world, competing in, and helping the team at national level radio-controlled races. His love for the sport led him to become the founder and owner of Putnam Propulsion and RC Speed Shop where he innovated and dominated the sport by building legendary motors and radio-controlled cars. His early work in carpentry led him in recent years to work for Jeff Gardina as a carpenter/craftsman for 7 years. Todd thought of Jeff not only as a mentor but a father figure who impacted his life in ways that can't be described.

Todd was an avid race fan and crew member to many local race teams throughout the northeast. He is the only oval racer to have won national championships on carpet, dirt, and concrete, and build his own car from the ground up, but his greatest accomplishments in life were his children Sydney and Ryan. Anyone that knew Todd knew how deeply he loved and adored his children. He spent 10 years positively impacting Sydney and her teammates, coaching little league, travel and school softball. He also supported Sydney in her passion for horses and enjoyed watching her become a fierce competitor and award-winning equestrian. From the time Ryan was old enough to play ball, daddy was right there to be his coach as well. As of late Todd introduced Ryan to his passion for racing and passed down his racing legacy by building him a winning go-kart racing program.

Todd was a legendary storyteller who often entertained friends and relatives with tales of his many adventures in life, and he had no shortage of material. He had a long and deeply loving relationship with his partner Melissa who was a fierce advocate for Todd as he navigated the medical challenges that he faced in recent years. They built a beautiful committed life together and enjoyed family vacations, spending time with friends and traveling on weekends for softball and racing. Todd always made time for family and could often be found on cross country trips with his brother Scott or celebrating holidays at his sister Janine's home. Todd also enjoyed a close relationship and strong bond with Melissa's family who embraced Todd and Sydney as their own. Todd's parents, Carol and Ed were proud of his many accomplishments and the beautiful family he created. As a proud uncle and Godfather, Todd loved and supported his nieces in their many interests and could always be found at any event they were participating in.

Todd will forever be missed, as he made everyone he ever met better.
Todd is survived by his mother Carol (Ed) Markowitz; partner Melissa M. Schulz; daughter Sydney Putnam, and son Ryan Putnam; brother Scott (Sharon) Putnam; sister Janine (Michael) Jerominek; nieces Madison and Mikayla Jerominek, niece Sierra Putnam, nephew Stephen Thompson; and many loving relatives and friends near and far.

Todd's family would like to thank all the medical staff that has cared for him over the last 4 years.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:30 am Sunday, September 26, 2021 at Hilton Garden Inn, 235 Hoosick St. Troy, NY 12180.

In lieu of flowers, during this difficult time donations to help support Todd's family and his children's future endeavors can be made payable to the Todd Putnam Family Fund c/o NBT Bank, 295 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866