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Richard Carpenter Obituary
San Jose
Passed away peacefully at home on Dec 4, 2014 after a short battle with leukemia. Born near Detroit, Michigan on March 8, 1925. Richard's parents and two brothers (Edward and William) moved to San Jose in 1930. He attended San Jose High school before joining the Army and serving in the Philippines during WWII. Upon his return to San Jose he married his elementary school sweetheart Frances Rossi.
In 1949, Rich and Frances moved to Cupertino and he started a new career as a model maker at the Ames Research Center in Mountain View. Ames later became know as NASA where Richard's work contributed to the Apollo 11 moon landing. After retiring from Moffett Field, Richard once again demonstrated his talents as a machinist in Bill Wagner's machine shop in Alviso, until his second retirement in the 90's.
Richard was proceeded in death by his wife Frances and his brother Edward Carpentier. Rich and Fran had three children, Cathy Giestlinger (Campbell), Richard Carpenter Jr. (Oregon), and Doree (San Jose). He will be missed and fondly remember by his brother William Carpenter and his stepsons Ted Romero (San Jose), Ron Romero (Folsom) and his seven grandchildren.
Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial on Sunday, Dec 14, at 1 pm at Mama Mia's in Campbell.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Carpenter
Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.
2 Entries
December 11, 2014
Richard was a good friend and I will miss his great company on Wednesdays and Fridays at the Elephant Bar restaurant. What a great story-teller he was! He was a true patriot, serving his country during the 2nd world war and was a beloved family member and friend. My condolences to all his family members who are grieving their loss. Richard, I greatly admired you. Thank you more than words can say for your friendship and inspiration.
Steve Drake
December 10, 2014
So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I will always remember our Christmas cards we sent to each other.
Sincerely, Cindy & Rudy Parker
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