1946 – 2022
Putnam – Owen A. Tarr, passed away on Tuesday, March 15, 2022 after a lengthy illness. He was born in Putnam, the son of the late Carroll and Thelma (Houdlette) Tarr.
Owen was a well-known and respected lifelong resident of the area. He was the Director at 7 Hills Foundation where he worked with developmentally delayed adults. He enjoyed playing baseball in his early years and was instrumental in running the Putnam Softball League for many years. Owen later served as the Chairman of the Putnam Recreation Committee for 40 years and also was elected and served on the Putnam Board of Selectmen for 25 years. He was a longtime fan and season ticket holder of the New England Patriots.
Owen is survived by his longtime companion Nancy Best, his sister, Lurena (Tarr) Heath, and his cat Dúkie. He was predeceased by brothers, the late Calvin A. Tarr, and Caroll Tarr.
Relative and friends are invited to visit with Owen’s family on Saturday, March 19, 2022, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a funeral service at 4:00 p.m. in the Gilman Funeral Home. A private graveside service will take place at a later date. Memorial donations may be made on Owen’s name to the American Cancer Society, 825 Brook St, Rocky Hill, CT 06067 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 200 Executive Blvd, Southington, CT 06489. For memorial guestbook please visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.
wilfred bousquet
The Town of Putnam is grateful to have Community minded Citizen’s represent our municipality.
Owen Tarr was an example of a Citizen with these characteristics.
He served and was a humble man wanting the best for his Community.
His achievements will be appreciated through time and leave a lasting memory.
We pray for Owen and keep him in our thoughts as we go forward to make Putnam a GREAT place to LIVE !
That is how Owen would want it !!!!
Jamie and Debra Heath
Aunt Lurena and Family:
Deb and I extend our thoughts and prayers to each of you. Having known Owen for many, many years we know this is a great loss, not only to his family but the entire Town of Putnam and surrounding communities. So many have benefited from Owen’s generosity, his knowledge and his friendship. There are so many people who are described as one of a kind – but Owen truly was one of kind. May he now rest in the peace and comfort of the angels in God’s care.
Paul and Lea Herrick
So sorry to hear this. Owen was a great friend to us many years ago when we lived in Putnam. He had such a great heart.. To his loved ones we keep you in our thoughts and prayers
John Holland
So sorry to hear Owen has passed, such a good man.
Karen Lussier Tarr
Owen was my first and only love. A great gentle and kind man RIP Big O He will be sadly missed
XXOO
Esther Njenga
Mr. Tarr was such a wonderful person to work for. Everyone at work will miss his ready smile and helpful attitude around the department. He was always giving compliments or a helping hand to his staff. He made sure we knew we were appreciated and we are truly going to miss him. Rip mr Owen
Gary Ayers and Family
Sorry to hear of Owen’s passing. Our prayers are with his family and friends. God Bless to all.
Sue & Jerry
To Owen’s Family,
Gods speed our friend Owen! “The Big O”. The last few days have been filled with many good memories since 1961 when we began high school at PHS. Our double dates to Foxboro and trips to pay Mr. Tarr’s employees in Glenn Falls, NY are just a few. Owen never could jump but had one wicked basketball shot that didn’t miss often and always found a way to get a rebound. Probably the best memory was him being an usher in Our Wedding Party.
A generous and loving man! RIP our friend. Hope your reminiscing with C. A., Thelma, Carrol, Calvin and Ray. l Hope the family also remember Harold and Crystal Seabee.
Sue and Jerry
Donna Baker
I worked with Owen for many years. He was a kind and gentle man and will be missed! RIP my friend
Rodney Dumas
Incredibly,, this evening, the thought of Owen came to mind I I remembered a particular weekend drill at the Putnam Armory where decided to build a permanent footbridge across the brook .Remembering telephone poles I had seen for years Across the street from his family’s house on 44 I told the guys to follow me.! To say he was surprised to see an army jeep followed By an olive colored flatbed trailer would be an understatement.. We had that bridge up in a day!!! I was thinking about him tonight and thinking it would be a good excuse to call and remind of that day 50 years ago when I just read that he passed only a few days. Ago. He was a vey nice man and a good friend. My sincere condolences to the family.
Larry Pezanko
I was extremely sad to hear of Owen’s passing, He was a very good friend of mine for over 60 years. Our friendship started when we were freshman at Putnam High School. We played football, basketball and baseball together for four years. I especially remember the both of us starting on the baseball team as freshman and being team captains of the football team as seniors. Many of us in our age group remember playing basketball with Owen in the hayloff of the the barn on his family farm. Although our lives went on in different directions I know Owen went on to be a great asset to the Putnam community. You lived a greai life my friend. Big “O” RIP. God Bless my friend!
Tom Auclair
So Sorry to hear about the passing of Owen. We spent countless hours playing sports together at Putnam High School as three sport athletes from 1961-1965. We then spent many years in the Putnam Softball League. We also enjoyed battling each other in “The Barn” on Owens farm in Pomfret at the basketball court where the workers lived. may he rest in peace!!
Tom ( Coach ) Auclair
Avon Park, Fl.