Henry J. Putko, 99, of Brooklyn, New York, passed away on Monday, December 8, 2025, at the Brooklyn VA Hospital at Fort Hamilton.

Born on March 16, 1926, in Brooklyn, Henry was the youngest child of Joseph and Mary Putko. As a young boy, he moved with his parents and four siblings—Helen, Raymond, Frank, and Nellie—to Poland before the family returned to Brooklyn and settled on 13th Street. He later graduated from Manual Training High School, Class of 1944.

Following high school, Henry entered the Army Air Corps, training as an airplane and engine mechanic. He was assigned to Maxwell Field in Alabama and later to Muroc Field in California.

After his military service, Henry earned a bachelor's degree from Brooklyn College. He went on to hold many professional positions, ultimately becoming the business manager of the Insurance Information Institute in New York. In retirement, he proudly served on the Board of Directors for Atlas Savings and Loan Association.

In 1950, Henry married the love of his life, Theresa Donderewicz. This year, they celebrated 75 years of marriage—truly never leaving each other's side. Together, they raised three sons in the Bay Ridge neighborhood of Brooklyn. Their home became a warm and joyful gathering place filled with love, holiday celebrations, and an abundance of Polish food.

Henry was a devout Catholic and an active parishioner of Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, where he served on the parish council and chaired many church bazaars. He was also a proud member of the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion.

A man of many talents, Henry enjoyed woodworking, gardening, and repairing anything that needed fixing—skills that reflected his patience and resourcefulness. He also took great pride in playing the violin by ear and was known for sharing the bountiful harvest from his garden, especially his homegrown cucumbers and tomatoes. He loved watching Turner Classic Movies and was an enthusiastic old-movie buff, never tiring of the films from Hollywood's golden age. An adventurer at heart, he found joy in boating and fishing, cherishing both the peacefulness of the water and the thrill of being outdoors. Above all, Henry was a resilient, loving, generous, and deeply caring man who will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.

Henry is survived by his devoted wife, Theresa; his loving sons Thomas (Maria) of Staten Island, Mark of Brooklyn, and Christopher (Michele) of Cape Neddick, Maine; and by his cherished grandchildren—Thomas (Krysia), Dina Marie, Chris (Freddy), Bobby (Cailan), Marie (Ryan), Joseph (Ines), Catherine (Jon), and Jimmy (Kayla)—who affectionately called him Dziadzia (or "DZ"). He also leaves behind ten great-grandchildren: Brianna, Jonathan, Carl, Lucy, Jeanie, Sofia, Penny, Annabelle, Oscar, and Benny. Henry is further survived by many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly—and who deeply loved him in return.

Henry's family is profoundly grateful for the exceptional care provided by Catherine and Teresa of Polish Home Service, as well as the visiting nurses, therapists, and doctors who tended to him over these past several months. They also extend heartfelt appreciation to the expert medical staff at the Brooklyn VA Medical Center for their dedicated and compassionate care.

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Visitation
Thursday (12/11)
&
Friday (12/12)
2 - 4 PM & 7 - 9 PM

Clavin Funeral Home
7722 4th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11209
Complimentary Valet Parking Available

Funeral Mass
Saturday (12/13)
10:15 AM

Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish
224 24th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11232

Cemetery
Saint Charles Cemetery
2015 Wellwood Ave
Farmingdale, NY 11735