Thomas A. Carpenter

Bend, Oregon- Thomas Algier Carpenter, died in Bend Oregon, on February 24, 2013, at the age of 94. His sons Sam and Stephen were at his bedside as he passed away peacefully three weeks after suffering complications from a fall. Tom was born in Utica, NY, on October 5, 1918 to Stephen and Margaret Carpenter. Tom graduated from Hamilton College in Clinton, NY, in 1942. He joined the Navy the same year and served his country for four years during WWII. After that he received his MBA at Oswego State College in 1951. He taught English at the Episcopal Academy in Overbrook, PA, Port Leyden Central School, and at Boonville Central School. He married Nancy Littell Bonter in 1948, in Cambridge, NY. Samuel was born in 1949. Stephen was born in 1953. Tom retired from teaching at Boonville Central School in 1980 and moved to Bend Oregon, in 1984, where he lived the remaining years of his life close to his son, Sam. While in college, Tom was active in Community Theater and was a professional tap dancer. He continued to direct and act in Community Theater during his teaching years and for many years he directed the senior play at Boonville Central School. He loved animals and was active in breeding award winning beagles. He was a gifted horticulturist who attended expositions throughout New York, and in Oregon. His house was always filled with tropical fish, plants and exotic finches; many people now own the descendants of the Gouldian Finches that he raised. He was active in various organizations connected to those activities. Tom spent summer days at the Moose River and winter weekends at Snow Ridge, always by the side of his two sons. He was an avid hiker, kier and cyclist well into his later years. Tom was a long time communicant of St. Martin's Catholic Church, Port Leyden and St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Bend, Oregon. His special gift was a natural ability to instantly bond with everyone, stranger or old friend. His smiling face and outgoing nature will be missed with all. He is survived by two sons, Samuel Carpenter of Bend, Oregon, and Stephen Carpenter, Albuquerque, New Mexico, and stepson Robert Bonter, Port Leyden, and two grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He was predeceased by two brothers, George and Stephen. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Lawrence Marullo, on Tuesday, May 14, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Martin's Church, Port Leyden. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Port Leyden, where military rites will be accorded by the Charles J. Love Post American Legion, Harland J. Hennessey Post V.F.W. and the Tun Tavern Marine Corps League, all of Boonville. There are no calling hours. His arrangements are in care of Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. Boonville.