He was born in Lynn, Massachusetts, on May 1, 1917, a son of Elbert E. and Evelyn (Smith) Putney. He was educated from Portland High School and received an associate degree at Northeast Business College.
At 14, Elbert began working as a caddy at the Portland Country Club. He was a member of the National Youth Association, taking on various jobs in the city. He was employed by Dupont Lumber Yard in Portland prior to serving his country in the U.S. Army. After serving in five invasions, including DDay in Normandy, he was honorably discharged on June 22, 1945, receiving five Campaign Battle Stars.
After the service, Elbert worked for the U.S. Postal Service, American Can Co. and as a secretary for Saco Lowell Shops for 10 years. He later retired from the Saco Tannery after 19 years in 1979.
He was preceded in death by his wife Marie Jeanne on Dec. 29, 2008; two sons, Paul and James; two sisters, Ruth Beecher and Phylis Williams; and one brother, Vernon.
He is survived by: two children, Richard Putney and Ann Marie Saunders and her husband Ross; three grandchildren, Adelle, Alana and Reece; one sister, Gertrude Cole; and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 29, at Cote Funeral Home, 87 James Street, Saco. A funeral service will be held with Pastor Mimi Magee officiating at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30, at Cote Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Biddeford. To view Elbert’s memorial page or leave an online condolence, visit cotefuneralhome.com.
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