Gordon E. Carpenter

1937 - 2015

SWANZEY - Gordon E. Carpenter, 77, of Swanzey, and a former resident of Peterborough died at the Cheshire Medical Center in Keene on Sunday morning, Apr. 12, 2015 after a period of declining health.

He was born in Keene on Oct. 30, 1937 the son of Ellsworth and Matilda (Duquette) Carpenter.

He grew up in Keene and attended Keene schools graduating in 1955. He served with the Army National Guard during the 1960's.

While living in Keene he was employed by Plotkin's Furniture and later after moving to Peterborough, he was employed by Derby's, Young's Furniture, and later by the Monadnock Cable Company. Before his retirement he was employed by Master's Decorating in Jaffrey.

He was a former president of the Peterborough Sportsman Club and was a deacon at the Greenfield Congregational Church. Gordon enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, country music, horses and mostly being with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was a lover of Volkswagen Beatles and he enjoyed carving duck decoys and was known by his family as being the "first duck dynasty."

He is survived by his wife, Anne "Pam" (Jennings) Carpenter of Swanzey, having celebrated their 45 wedding anniversary this past Friday April 10; three sons, Shane Carpenter and his wife, Elizabeth of Clinton, Conn., Daniel Carpenter of Johnston, R.I. and Justin Carpenter and his wife, Shannon of Dublin, a daughter, Anne Mackey of Dublin, 11 grandchildren, Meghan Carpenter, Giuseppe Carpenter, Dominic Carpenter, Olie Lindahl, Miles Lindahl, Cole Carpenter, Dan Carpenter, Faith Carpenter, Emma Carpenter, Lauren Mackey, and Zachary Mackey; several nieces, nephews and cousins. His parents and his three brothers Ellsworth Carpenter, Harold Carpenter and Russell Carpenter died earlier.

A memorial service will be held in the Foley Funeral Home, 49 Court Street, Keene (www.foleyfuneralhome.com) on Thursday afternoon, Apr. 16, 2015 at 3 p.m. Captain Larry Setty of the Salvation Army will be the officiant. Burial will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest that memorial contributions be made to the Swanzey Fire/Rescue, c/o Chief Norman Skantze, P.O. Box 9, Swanzey, N.H. 03446.