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Fred Carpenter Obituary
CARPENTER, FRED RONALD, - of Washington, DC, was born August 21, 1937, in Atlantic City, to the late Fred and Nadine Carpenter. His birth was eagerly anticipated by his siblings, Bessie, Robert, and Jean who showered him with love. "Bunky", as he was affectionately known, attended Atlantic City Public Schools. He was well liked and extremely popular in high school where he participated in student government and various extra curricular activities. He played basketball and was a member of the Glee Club and Boys' Choir. Ronald was selected to host an after school radio program. Do you remember the "Moon Rocker"? He attended Howard University in Washington, D.C. and fell in love with the city and decided to make it his permanent home. He was employed by several branches of the government, including the United States Postal Service, D.C. Department of Labor, Department of Employment Services Program where he served as Branch Coordinator and later as Deputy Director. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to form his own company, "The Frenadine Group" which was named after his parents. This company specialized in manpower employment services which enabled people to help themselves towards gainful employment. He was an active participant with the Howard Alumni Association where he helped to organized and coordinate social and educational activities and reunions. An avid Redskins fan, "Bunky" rarely missed a game because he was a seasoned ticket holder. In a sea of Eagles supporters he wore his Redskins game shirt with pride. He was a member of Hamilton Memorial United Methodist Church where he sang in the junior and senior choir. As a youth, he participated in many church functions and activities. "Bunky" loved to sing and possessed a beautiful tenor voice. Although he had multiple health problems, he kept a positive outlook on life. He will be missed by his family and many friends in Washington, D.C. and Atlantic City, NJ. Ronald is predeceased by: his daughter, Stayce Nadine Carpenter-Harvey; his father and mother, Fred and Nadine Carpenter; his sister, Bessie Duckett Oliver; brother, Robert H. Carpenter. He leaves to cherish his fond memories: grandchildren, Chantel D. Harvey and her fiancee', Richard Harris, William E.L Harvey; Maya McClure; daughters, Romy McClure, Kecia Ellison (Bill); sister, Jean F. Martin; great-granddaughters, Sanaa and Karlise Harris; nieces, Cathy D. Cole (Lee), Josie W. Duckett Boyd (Brandon); Patrice M. Leatherberry (Duane); great niece Lauren W. Cole; nephew, Walter R. Forth, Jr. (Gail); great nephews, Walter "C.J." Forth; James H. Forth, Duane E. Leatherberry, Jr., Eric C. Leatherberry, and a very special friend, Robin Robinson. A Celebration of Life service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, September 6, 2008, at Union Baptist Temple, Pennsylvania and Drexel Avenues, Atlantic City. Memorial Contributions may be made to Van Ministries/Hamilton Memorial U.M.C. c/o 609 Arctic Avenue, Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401. Arrangements entrusted to Greenidge Funeral Homes.
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Memories and Condolences
for Fred Carpenter
James Dennis Burroughs
September 10, 2008
"Uncle Bunky" as I knew him was what I considered to be an unconditional and un-official mentor of mine. His deceased brother Robert occupied the very same space for me as well. Throughout the years as I have grown up within their family he had been an example of inspiration upon inspiration for me to face the challenges of today's wanton society. Throughout my many travels in life whenever I passed Mrs. Carpenter's home at the intersection of Drexel and North Carolina Avenues and I spied a car,usually a very large Ford of some model, parked there with DC tags I knew that I could call upon him for "fatherly advice". My supreme condolences to Chip, his beautiful mother Jean, cousins, Josie, Cathy, and their respective families, as well as to the rest of the Carpenter Clan. "Uncle Bunky will be missed dearly by us all. At one time during a period of adversity in my life I came upon this epitaph while touring the church cemetary of historic St. Michael's
Episcopal Church of Charleston, South Carolina. It is the epitaph of one James Louis Petrigru a very prominent citizen of old Charleston. As I read it for the frist time, I felt it to be quite compelling and thought of many others of greatness who this epitaph might be befitting of. I now view Fred Ronald Carpenter in this light as well. Read it and think of him.
James Louis Petigru
Born at
Abbeville May 10th 1789
Died at Charleston March 9th 1863
Jurist. Orator. Statesman. Patriot. Future times will hardly know how great a life this simple stone commemorates--
The tradition of his Eloquence, his
Wisdom and his Wit may fade:
But he lived for ends more durable than fame,
His Eloquence was the protection of the poor and wronged;
His Learning illuminated the principles of Law--
In the admiration of his Peers,
In the respect of his People,
In the affection of his Family,
His was the highest place;
The just meed of his kindness and forbearance
His dignity and simplicity
His brilliant genius and his unwearied industry
Unawed by Opinion,
Unseduced by Flattery
Undismayed by Disaster,
He confronted Life with antique Courage
And Death with Christian Hope.
With Very Warm Regards & a Heavy Heart,
Dawn & Sylvia DeForrest
September 8, 2008
Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers ... Many wonderful memories shared by our families.
Deborah Riley
September 7, 2008
The love I had for you as a brother and friend is to so great an extent that you would never understand. I will miss you, but I have many fond memories to comfort me in the days ahead. Thank you for being an "uncle" to Danielle. You have greatly influenced her. May God bless you and rest your soul.
Rev. Marva (Thornton) Jones
September 7, 2008
To the Carpenter Family;
I want to extend my condolence to the family. Our neighborhood was very close,back in the day.When I heard of Bunky's passing, I was very sadden. Please know that you are in my prayers. Also, remember that God will never leave nor forsake us.
cornelius bell
September 6, 2008
My condolences to the family may God Bless you. Corney Bell Sister Eunice Ford.
Shawnzetta Suggs
September 4, 2008
To Mrs. Jean Martin and the Carpenter family,
May God bless you at your time of sorrow. Our heartfelt sympathies are with you all. We only met Mr. Bunky a few times, but it is easily understood how wonderful person he was and how much he will be missed. Stay prayed up and God will get you through this time. We Love you all.
Sincerely,
Reggie, Shawnzetta and Re'gine Suggs
Leon Goodman
September 2, 2008
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, ""I welcome you.""
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......""My day was not in vain.""
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008
Carolyn Gibbs Jones
September 2, 2008
Ron was a dedicated co-worker at the DC Department of Employment Services, who became a good friend. He was an inspiration to me as I witnessed his steadfastness and strong will in spite of his serious medical challenges. Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow; may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.
Monroe Fauntleroy
September 2, 2008
To The Carpenter Family; Bunky and I were best friends for over 60 years. We literally grew up together. I remember him as "Sid Hudson" when he pitched down at "The Wall". Also as "The Moon Rocker" on Saturday mornings at WFPG radio station.
Space does not permit me to list all of the fond memories I have of my buddy, Bunky.
I will miss his Christmas Cards with the personal messages.
September 2, 2008
I extend my heartfelt sympathy to the Carpenter Family on the passing of a special former Co-Worker of the Department of Employment Services. Betty Wertz, Washington, DC
September 2, 2008
There are no words that can fill the emptiness in your heart, but perhaps it will help to know other's care. Mary Norman, Former Co-worker, Employment Services. Washington, DC
NINA DICKERSON
September 2, 2008
I remember your "cool" demeanor when you visited your close friend, Dr. Sylvester Booker. Your calm dispositon, your positive attitude, and your ever so pleasant manner will be missed. Rest in Peace!
Arnold Divers
September 1, 2008
I extend my condolences to the Carpenter family on the passing of my dear friend and brother Bunky. We have been close friends since 1959 and stayed in touch with each other several times a week until his last days. He will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace.
Sandra Jibrell
September 1, 2008
Ron "Bunky" Carpenter is one of the special people in my life. I only knew him in his later years in Washington DC when his health was failing in ways that his intellegence and wit and unconditional caring for his friends never would. Bunky joined his lifelong friend Arnold Divers and me for many wonderful evenings at my home in DC. We love him and will always miss him -- but are comforted by knowing that he is at peace with his Savior. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
GREGORIO MATURGO
September 1, 2008
RONALD YOU WILL BE MISSED BY ME AND ALL WHO KNEW OF YOU AND THE CARPENTER FAMILY. GOD WILL GREET YOU WITH ALL OF YOUR FAMILY. I WILL MISS YOU MY FRIEND. ALWAYS A FAMILY FRIEND.
G. BUDDY MATURGO
Barbara Hearon
September 1, 2008
To the family ...My Sincere condolences to the Carpenter family.
I will remember "Bunky" as the big teaser in 6th grade at the New Jersy Ave Elem.Sch.
And his all embracing signature smile.
John E. Paxton ACHS class of 1956
September 1, 2008
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
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