Patrick Sam Carpenter

Patrick Sam Carpenter, age 67, passed away peacefully at his home in Seneca, SC, surrounded by his loving family.

Pat grew up in Kent, Ohio, where his parents, William and Loretta Carpenter, ran a small business managing rental properties while William also repaired antique watches. During high school, Pat was active on the wrestling team and in the Boy Scouts, where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.

He attended Kent State University (KSU), graduating magna cum laude in 1981 with a bachelor's degree in Journalism and a minor in Business. Pat met his beloved wife, Sheryl ("Sherry") Carpenter (née Robinson), during his time at KSU, and they married in 1982.

Pat began his management career with J&L Steel in Pittsburgh and Ohio from 1982-1986, where he developed strong supervisory skills. He continued as a manager with Alcan Aluminum from 1986-2000, working in heavy metals and manufacturing. Pat took special pride in being part of teams that promoted aluminum as a replacement for steel, which contributed to innovations like the use of aluminum in the body of the Ford F-150.

In 2001, Pat got his first big break when he was named Director of Corporate Communications at Materion Corporation. There, he played a crucial role in developing safety programs for the safe handling of beryllium, a lightweight metal used in defense, aerospace, and electronics industries. His work led to the creation of online training programs and regulatory standards adopted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Outside of work, Pat developed a keen interest in family genealogy and was a voracious reader of American history and political history. Pat and Sherry also had a lake home in Apple Valley, OH, where they enjoyed swimming, boating, and water skiing with friends and family.

After retiring in 2018, Pat and Sherry moved to their dream home on Lake Keowee in Seneca, SC. There, they developed a tight-knit group of friends, and Pat proudly graduated from the Oconee County Sheriff's Office Citizens Police Academy.

Pat is survived by his wife of 42 years, Sherry; his children, Shelby Carpenter and Ross Carpenter; grandchildren James Carpenter, Avery Carpenter, and Tilden Carpenter-Brown; and sisters Robin Miwa and Jill Voorhis. Pat was a loving husband, a phenomenal dad, a doting grandfather, a kind brother, and a loyal friend. He will be remembered for his love and devotion to family and friends, the good he did in the world, and his terrific sense of humor.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Oconee County Sheriff's Foundation (ocsheriffsfoundation.org/donate/), supporting the Citizens Police Academy program that meant so much to Pat. A private gathering to remember Pat's life will be held at a future date.