David Merrill Putnam, 44, of Guilford, died suddenly on March 31. He was born in New Haven on April 8, 1967, son of Sandra and Peter Benzi of Guilford. David was a self-employed carpenter. “Put” was known by his friends for his love of sports and especially his passion for the Yankees, the Steelers, the Penguins, and NASCAR driver Ryan Newman.

Besides his parents, he is survived by his daughter, Maria Alisha Putnam, and his son, Nicholas Merrill Putnam, both of Clinton; his brother, Peter Joseph Benzi III and his wife Kathryn; and many loved aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends, all of whom will cherish his memory.

A celebration of his life will take place on Saturday, April 14, at 5 p.m., at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 129 Ledge Hill Rd., North Guilford. Contributions in his memory may be made to his children’s trust funds in care of Marialice Dockus, 152 Lombard St., No. 106, San Francisco, CA 94111.