Michael John Putis
OBITUARY
Michael John Putis, 68, of Staten Island, NY, formerly of Fitchburg, passed away peacefully at home on January 16, 2026. Michael was born on June 29, 1957, in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, to John and Eleanor Putis, both of whom predeceased him. A proud Fitchburg native, he was a graduate of Fitchburg High School, Class of 1975, and went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts in Education from Fitchburg State College, Class of 1979. Michael began his professional life in education, teaching at Bartley Nolan Elementary School and St. Anthony Elementary School in Fitchburg. His early years as an educator reflected a lifelong commitment to service and genuine care for others. He later followed an interest in fashion, working locally at Kimball’s Clothiers in Leominster, where his warmth, style, and ability to connect with people were well known. Driven by a deeper calling to serve others, Michael transitioned into human services, joining the Caring Community of Connecticut. Over more than 15 years, he worked in a variety of roles, steadily earning greater responsibility through his dedication to individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities and to the mission of the organization. In 2002, Michael met his future husband, Carl Young, a Staten Island native. At the time, Michael was living in Hartford, Connecticut, while working at the Caring Community of Connecticut, and the two maintained a long-distance relationship for several years. Michael later relocated to New York, beginning a new chapter both personally and professionally. He joined United Cerebral Palsy of New York City, where his leadership and impact grew significantly. As the organization evolved and merged into what is now Adapt Community Network, Michael advanced through multiple managerial positions. By the time of his retirement, he was responsible for overseeing all clinical services, leaving a lasting and meaningful impact on the organization and the communities it serves. Michael enjoyed his retirement through travel and a shared love of fine food and dining with his husband and family. He was known for his sense of humor and wit, and his deep love of family’qualities that remained central to who he was throughout his life. Michael is survived by his beloved husband, Carl Young; his sisters, Patricia Gendron and her husband Michael of Marshfield, and Kristine Caravella and her husband Kevin of Scituate. He is also survived by his nieces and nephew: Leslie Veneziano and her husband Josh of Fitchburg; Natalie Smith and her husband Derek of Marshfield, and their sons Alex, Charlie, and Jack; Anthony Caravella and his wife Brooke of Sturbridge, and their children Nick, Sophia, Jake, Amelia, and Benjamin; Olivia Stys and her husband Matthew of Cohasset, and their daughters Roma and Lucia; Sophia Caravella and her husband Eric Casinelli of Chicago; and Francesca Caravella of Brookline, as well as Carl’s extended family in New York and New Jersey.