Ronald E. Putnam died March 6.

He was born June 12, 1935, in Springfield, and married Eleanor (Ellie) Prairie in 1955. They raised their family on Martha’s Vineyard where Ron established Putnam Construction; it thrived under his determined and skilled hands.

The two initially retired in 1980, spending the next five years living on their sailboat while traveling the East Coast and Caribbean. Enjoying active rather than sedentary lives, they ended their retirement by purchasing Steadman’s Boatyard in Key West, Fla. Later they settled in Spring Hill, Fla. Ron and Ellie were blessed to travel the country in their RV, experiencing all the states except for Hawaii. They loved taking trips to New England each summer. In his later years, inspired by his loved of woodworking, Ron enjoyed turning wooden bowls.

He was a man of great character and conviction who loved his wife passionately. He was a master craftsman and long-standing member of the Free Masons, Shriners, and Lions Club.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, four children and their spouses: Lynn and Paul Coleman, Edwin and Molly Putnam, Phyllis and Jim Bell, Pamela and Steve Corwin; as well as 16 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.

Donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.