James Hilary Carpenter

James Hilary Carpenter
James Hilary Carpenter, 88, a longtime resident of Westport, CT, died on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, after a valiant battle with cancer.
Known fondly as Jim or Hil, he was born in Norwalk, CT, on March 9, 1937, to Rose Horelick Carpenter and James Townsend Carpenter.
An only child, Jim loved growing up in Westport where he had many fun and memorable adventures with his cousins and friends at Compo beach, at camp at the Westport YMCA with their friend Roddy, and on his boat on Long Island Sound.
Jim attended Westport public schools graduating from Staples High School in 1955 where he played the saxophone in the marching band and orchestra, worked on the Inklings newspaper and played baseball.
Jim attended the University of Connecticut in Storrs before enlisting in the United States Army in 1958. He was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. Upon his honorable discharge in 1960, Jim taught at the John S. Turner U.S Army Reserve Center in Fairfield for one year.
Jim is survived by his beloved daughters, Karen Carpenter (K.C.) Baker and Jennifer Stella Carpenter, and his cherished grandchildren, Cameron and Lindsay Baker. He is predeceased by his parents, as well as his grandparents Stella and Hilary Horelick, and Emma and James Carpenter, many uncles, including Michael Wanat, and aunts including Stella Chapman, who was like a second mother, Anna DeLuca, Helen Wanat and Nancy Laughlin, and his cousin Brian Wanat, whom he considered "his brother."
Jim was an exceptional and loving father who always put his daughters first. Besides being the best dad anyone could ask for, Jim will be most remembered for his deep love of animals, (he saved many over the years�) helping others, his integrity, and his fighting spirit.
Jim's family wishes to deeply thank Teresa, Claudia, Karen, Bailey, Danielle, and the rest of his hospice team at RVNA in Ridgefield for their incredible care of Jim these last two years.
Friends may call on Monday, December 15, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Fairfield Funeral Home of Edmund W. Dougiello, 36 South Pine Creek Rd., Fairfield. A Mass of Christian Burial with full Military Honors will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 16, at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 149 South Pine Creek Rd., Fairfield. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Animals in Distress, a no-kill cat shelter in Wilton, Conn. https://animals-in-distress.com