1946 – 2011
Putnam – Steve Bousquet, 64, passed away on May 17, 2011 at Mass General Hospital following a short, but courageous battle with multiple myeloma. Steve was born in Putnam on June 23, 1946, the son of the late Gerard and Myrtle Bousquet. He graduated from Putnam High School in 1964 where he was a four-sport athlete. He graduated from UConn with a degree in Political Science and Economics in 1970.
Following graduation, Steve taught for a short period at St. James School in Danielson. He served in the CT National Guard. In 1975, Steve established Bousquet’s Appliance and TV store with locations initially in Putnam, and later in Danielson. Steve successfully operated this business for over 35 years and had a significant impact on local communities. He was a member of the Snake Meadow Fishing and Hunting Club, Valley Springs Sportsman’s Club, the Putnam Elks, the Downtown Danielson Business Association, and the Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce. He served as an Alderman for the Town of Putnam, and was a current member of the Putnam Recreation Commission. Steve was generous and kind, always willing to help someone in need. He was a philanthropist, well known for his support of local causes, some of which included St. Mary’s Church, Troop D in Danielson, the Congregational Church of Putnam, the local woman’s shelter, St. James, QVCC, and Day Kimball Hospital Golf Tournaments, the Senior Center in Danielson, and raised money for the earthquake victims in Haiti. In 2010, Steve received the “Paul Harris Distinguished Citizen of the Year” award from the Rotary Club. He was also recognized as the “Northeast CT Humanitarian of the Year” by the Chamber of Commerce, “2010 Citizen of the Year” by the Putnam Grange, among many other community service awards including the Lions Club from both Putnam and Danielson. He made our community a better place.
Throughout his life, Steve enjoyed many outdoor activities, including fishing, hunting, gardening, and time spent on Quaddick Lake. He loved nature, especially the spring when he would spend countless hours planting flowers. One of Steve’s favorite pastimes was co-hosting the “Remember When” segment on WINY Radio on Friday mornings. He also loved his annual fishing trips to New York for salmon as well as occasional trips to Saratoga, and the Kentucky Derby. Throughout the years, Steve enjoyed many vacations with his family, whom he loved dearly.
Steve is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Kay, and his two children Jennifer Weeks and her husband Matthew of Burlington, CT, and Jeffrey Bousquet and his fiancé Kalin Borner, of Putnam. In addition to his wife and children, Steve is survived by his sister Geraldine Tetreault of Fort Myers, FL; his brother, Michael and his wife Judy of New Bedford, NH; and his brother David and his wife Tina of Brooklyn, CT; his sister in- law Sue Gardner and her husband William of Columbia, CT, and his sister in-law Ruth Lee and her husband Wallace of Newtown, CT. Steve has numerous nieces and nephews, and countless friends who will remember him forever.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Steve’s family from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Monday, May 23, 2011 in the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam. A Funeral Service will begin at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 in the Congregational Church of Putnam, 175 Main St, Putnam, CT followed by burial in the Grove Street Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Putnam High School Scholarship Fund, in care of Putnam Bank, 40 Main Street, Putnam, CT 06260; or to the Congregational Church of Putnam, P.O. Box 463, Putnam, CT 06260. For memorial guest book, please visit GilmanAndValade.com.
Kerri Price
My heart is heavy by Steve’s passing. I loved Steve….he made Friday mornings so much fun at WINY. He always made me laugh whether he was at the station or calling for Gary, he always brought a smile to my face. There are so many wonderful memories I have from the past 13 years of knowing Steve. WINY Christmas parties and gatherings will never be the same and through some of the tough times in my life, he would always listen and try and explain why some things happen and how to make lemonade out of lemons, for that I will forever be greatful.
My prayers and thoughts are with Kay, Jennifer and Jeff through this difficult time, we are all here if you need us.
Hugs
Linda and Thomas Joyal
Dear Kay, Jeff and Jennifer,
Sorry to hear about the loss of your husband and father. He was an avid supporter of PHS Athletics and enjoyed the excitement of numerous basketball games. Steve was always a kind and compassionate individual. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your entire family.
Sadly missed,
Tom and Linda M. Joyal
Kevin Brignole
Steve was a member of the Snake Meadow Club, and a trusted friend. He had a heart as big as a mountain, and now there is a piece missing from ours. He will be missed by many. My prayers go out to his family. God Bless you all.
Paula Pomposelli
Katy…would like to offer my condolences and to tell you how very sorry I am. You had a wonderful husband. Kind, compassionate and very giving. Keep those wonderful memories with you always….and remember that the love you shared will never die. I will pray for you and your children. If there is anything that I can do …please don’t hesitate to ask. With love…Paula
kay, Jen and Jeff
Steve—Dad–
We miss you with all our hearts. Remember that you will always be our rock and the sunshine of our lives. You always made us laugh and touched our hearts with your kindness. We will always love you.
Kay, Jen and Jeff
Howard Neff (Howie)
Steve was a super special person, he was one of the most caring people i have ever known.
He and I shared the same heart condition and he acted as inspiration to me many times.
I will miss his talks and great consideration, the void in all of our lives will be significant.
He was taken away too soon, but I have to believe he must be in a better place. He is one who made such a significant impression on everyone he came in contact with that he will always be remembered and missed by all of his friends.
Good by Steve for now
Howie
Romeo A. Blackmar
To the Family and Friends of Steve:
The loss of your Husband, Father and Friend has touched many people in our community. Please accept my sincerest condolences.
May God hold you in His arms today and comfort you at this time.
George & Darlene Raymond
Steve was a great man and will missed by many ,may he rest in peace
Sue Nash-Ditzel
Jen, Jeff and Kay,
So many of my memories growing up included Steve. Whether it was hunting, fishing or just being silly with us kids. What I always remember, though, was his bright and optimistic attitude…I don’t ever remember seeing him angry (oh, except for the time Jen and I were repeating the words we read on the bathroom stalls at school without any knowledge of what we were saying…remember that , J?:) I look forward to seeing you on Monday to celebrate a wonderful individual.
My deepest regrets. I love you all.
Sue
Lin McAuliffe
Dear Kay, Jeff, and Jen,
I was so saddened to read of Steve’s passing. He loved all of you dearly. He was in deed a very special person and, in heart, true to his beliefs. I do hope your fondest memories of your times together will provide solace during this time of grief and loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jeannett Sullivan
Steve helped me a lot when we got down to CT. I will miss him a
a lot. I will be thinking of your family.. God bless to you.
Ron and Jackie Battista
To the Bousquet and Tetreault family,
We were so sorry to hear about Steve. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Ron and Jackie
Chris & Jeremy Morin
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Larry Pezanko
Katy
I’m lost for words. Steve was one of my best friends. We had so much in common and had many great times together. My memories of him will be with me forever. Our prayers are with you, Jen and Jeff. God Bless!
All our love,
Larry & Sally Pezanko
Tracie Bellerose
Kay, Jen, & Jeff,
My heart was heavy and I was deeply saddened at the news of the passing of your husband & dad. He was probably the most generous & kind man I have ever known. I know that my life is that much richer for having had the opportunity to know him & be coached by him. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Tracie
Lisa M. Girard
My heart felt condolences are with you Your lose is close to my heart. I also lost my father in the same way. Steve was a wounderful man. thank you for all the help he gave to my family . god bless his family. you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Tom,Lisa,Thomas & Glenn Girard
Sue and Bill
We love Steve. You know that already. You know that we will always be right there for Katy, Jen, and Jeff.
I will keep the penny in my pocket and know you are close to me. When I hear the birds chirping or feel the wind in the trees and see the spring flowers I’ll know that you are close by watching all of us.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX Forever
Ruthie and Wally Lee
We’re remembering the fun we had together in Saratoga and the Derby. On our trip to Italy, we’ll never forget how he loved the pappardelle and ordered it every time he saw it on the menu. We also remember how he totally relaxed in Tuscany and how he loved the villa and the views of the Tuscan hills. It was a magical time for the four of us, and the memory will always remain in our hearts. We miss him a lot and always will. Love, Ruthie and Wally
Donald and Helen Ryan
Our prayers go out to one and all. We remember well many great times with Steve and Kay and we feel blessed to have known such a great man, husband, father and hero in the community he loved so well. Peace and love always, Don and Helen Ryan
Larry Pezanko
Katy, Jen & Jeff
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We will all miss Steve, but our fond memories of him will last forever and keep him in our hearts.
God Bless
Larry & Sally Pezanko
Ryan Causey
To Steve’s Family:
Steve was the best store owner I knew. He was always very helpful, and kind. He didn’t mind finding out information or availability on anything. He even ordered me items I wanted without charging a deposit. He didn’t mind bending over backwards for anyone. He was a great guy. I hope that in his honor you are able to keep the business running successfully. I will always miss seeing him there. My deepest sympathy to you all.
Popeye and Judi Vertefeuille
To the Bousquet Family,
Our deepest sympathy go out to the Family. Once again God has chosen one of the best. We will miss his smile, his generosity and his humor. Steve was always the first to step up in any instance. R.I.P. our friend.
Lorraine M. Weeks-Newell
Dear Katy, Jen & Jeff
Our sincere sympathy goes out to you during this very difficult time. The love and memories that you share as a family will be an anchor for you during the days ahead and into the future. Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you.
Brent & Lorraine Newell
Gloria & Rene Marion
Dear Katy, Jen and Jeff,
Rene and I were saddened to hear of the passing of Steve. Steve truly was the most generous and caring person we had the pleasure of knowing. Our thoughs and prayers are with you.
Gloria & Rene Marion
Susan & Jeff Smith
Kay, Jennifer & Jeff,
Your family was a part of our lives for just a few days, but the love you had for each other was tangible. We are so very sorry for the loss of your husband and dad.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you,
Susan & Jeff Smith (Steve’s roommate at MGH on Ellison 14)
DAN AND FRAN ROY
To Katie and family,
We were so sorry to hear of Steve’s untimely passing. He was a great guy who dedicated himself to his family, friends and community. His smile and his great sense of humor were such a joy to the people around him. He was always willing to donate his time to others in need and I know that heaven will be waiting for him. It is never easy to lose a loved one and I wish you and your family peace and healing. You have been blessed to have such a wonderful husband and father. His memory will live on in this community for a long, long time. Sincerely , Dan and Fran Roy
Bob and Roanna Skelley
We are saddend at the loss of you husband, father, brother, friend and kind business man. It was a pleasure to have met him and to offer our business to Bousquets Appliance since we returned to Danielson. For the past 10 years we watched all the ways Steve did his share to assist those less fortunate and it will forever be an example to us. We say good bye for now and believe we will meet again in another beautiful place. The Skelleys’
Bill Kuusela
To all the people that knew Steve. In life Steve gave more than he took and he will be remembered.
Bill Kuusela
Joe & Gail Petrowsky
Kay and family members.
Friends called us this morning, sharing that Steve had passed. We are truly sorry for your loss. It was a tremendous shock to the system. Having known Steve for almost 40 years and always enjoyed working with him, buying from him and always leaving all conversations knowing that I was speaking to a friend.
He will be missed by all.
Bob & Robin Lofquist
We didn’t have the pleasure of knowing Steve personally, but we were so saddened by his sudden passing. Since we moved to Danielson 12 years ago, the warm welcome and great service we found at Bousquet’s Appliances made us feel part of this town. He was a true mensch — honest, very competent and with a great sense of humor. He seemed to be a model for all his employees. We will genuinely miss him! Our hearts are with you and all those who loved Steve.