Richard Carl Putnick, 69, of Cedar Grove, IN, died Monday, April 3, 2023, at Margaret Mary Health in Batesville, IN.
Richard was born in Cincinnati, OH, on February 24, 1954, to William H. and Betty Jane (Hille) Putnick. He proudly and unabashedly served his country by joining the U.S. Marine Corps, fulfilled his active service of four years and continued the Individual Ready Reserve for four years. While serving in the USMC, he received the Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts, a Meritorious Unit Commendation, a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, a Good Conduct Medal, and a Rifle Expert Badge. Richard’s life motto was serving God, Country, and Family. Richard married Melissa Harry on April 19, 1991 in Kentucky, and they enjoyed thirty-two years together. He was employed as a Terminal Operator at BWC Terminals for 33 years. Richard was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church in Brookville, IN. He enjoyed bodybuilding and physical fitness, cooking and eating well prepared, good food, and spending time with his family, dogs, and horses on his farm. Richard was a die hard and lifelong fan of the Cincinnati Bengals and The Ohio State University football teams.
In addition to his wife, Richard is survived by a son: Adam (Autumn) Putnick of Avon, IN; a daughter: Kathryn Putnick of Aurora, IN; a granddaughter: Audrey; nieces and nephews: John (Beth) Heis, Angel (Brian) Ripperger, Lisa (Nick) Severt, Joe (Kirstin) Putnick, Ed Putnick, Stephanie (Todd) Stegmuller, Maria (Zach) Kunkel, Luke (Lauren) Putnick, Carmen (Craig) Schultz; and many loved great and great-great nieces and nephews. Richard was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, Harold (Bo) Rutz; a brother, William F. (Butch) Putnick; a sister, Barbara Heis; and a nephew, James William (Billy) Heis.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home ~ 929 Main Street ~ Brookville, IN. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Brookville, The Wounded Warriors Foundation, or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, April 13, 2023, at St. Michael’s Church with Father Vince Lampert officiating. Burial will follow at 12:00 p.m. in Arlington Memorial Gardens ~ 2145 Compton Road ~ Cincinnati, OH. Military graveside rites will be conducted by the American Legion Post #534 and a contingent from the U.S. Marine Corps.
To send condolences or to sign the online guest book, please go to, www.cookrosenberger.com. The staff of Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home is honored to serve Richard’s family.