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BORN
1915
DIED
2014
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Clifford Carpenter Obituary
Pawling - Cliff Carpenter, 98, of Pawling, a prolific actor, concerned citizen and activist, and the beloved partner of Jean Rouverol Butler, passed away on Thursday, January 9.
Carpenter was best known as a radio actor for the voice of Terry of Terry and the Pirates from 1937 until he enlisted in the infantry in World War II. Carpenter fought and was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge. He performed in several Broadway and off-Broadway theater productions until he was blacklisted during the McCarthy era, and as a result no one would hire him for many years. Carpenter acted sporadically in television, film, and local theater, and he appeared in thirteen films, including a minor role in Synecdoche, New York. Carpenter also made three appearances on Jon Stewart's The Daily Show. Together with fellow actor Rouverol, Carpenter enjoyed attending and performing at the Friends of Old Time Radio conventions.
Carpenter's Quaker Hill log home, designed by Finnish carpenters, was once owned by Edward R. Murrow, as well as by Lowell Thomas. An active member of the community, Carpenter contributed to efforts of the Oblong Land Trust, the Historical Society, and community organizations. Carpenter frequently attended Quaker meetings, and in the 1990s and early 2000s, he marched in several anti-war demonstrations, at times in his World War II uniform.
Carpenter is pre-deceased by his wife Pauline "Mac" Carpenter (1984) and his daughter Deborah Fields (1994). He is survived by his partner of ten years Jean Rouverol Butler and her family, by his grandchildren Katherine Roberts Hite and Anthony Clifford Leonard, and by his great-grandchildren Aidan Carpenter Hite and Adeline Roberts Hite.
The family plans to hold a celebration of Carpenter's life in the late Spring.
To leave an online condolence, please visit www.hornandthomesfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Clifford Carpenter
Julie Anixter
January 6, 2023
We loved Cliff (and Jean.) Being with him was a priceless wonderful experience. He was a diamond!
Victoria Taylor Allen
July 15, 2014
I knew Clifford Carpenter and his late wife, Pauline, because his daughter, Deborah, and I were best friends in the late 1940's when we were living at 6 Peter Cooper Road, in Peter Cooper Village in NYC. We went to P.S. 50 together. As a small child I was in their home many times and loved the whole family. I heard that my friend, "Debbie" died in 1994. I would love to be in touch with any of the remaining family. They were lovely people and so kind to me as a little girl.
Bill and Nancy Wixom
February 1, 2014
Cliff was a wonderful neighbor, always with a twinkle in his eye, often displaying a marvelous dry humor. He was a compassionate humanist. Good food excursions with Jean and Cliff were a joy.
Karli Wheeler
January 20, 2014
We at Amawalk Meeting will miss our dear Friend Cliff, whose wit and wisdom touched and inspired us over many years. Much love to Jean and the rest of Cliff's family. We hope to hear more about the memorial when possible and welcome all to Amawalk at any time to worship and remember him fondly.
Bill Eberle
January 16, 2014
My condolences to Cliff's family and friends. We enjoyed watching his performances in the recreations at the FOTR conventions. I think he enjoyed performing there as much as we enjoyed watching him. A few years back I had Cliff and Jean Rouverol as guests on my radio show at Vassar College. What a delight!
Henry Wallis Walters
January 13, 2014
In memory of a great man and a good friend indeed. I enjoyed the interviews you gave me in writing about your life. You've enriched so many lives during your presence on Earth... "I Remember When..." by Henry Wallis Walters (formerly of Pawling, NY) Potsdam, NY
Robert Shadur
January 13, 2014
All of us on Berry Lane miss you deeply Cliff. May you rest in eternal peace.
Bob and Julie Shadur
Bob Markee
January 13, 2014
This is a true loss. My heart goes out to all of his friends and family.
Lucille Cumming
January 13, 2014
May Our Father in Heaven keep Cliff on His right side at the table. To Cliffs family and friends, may your mourning be short and your memories be long. God bless you all.
Sean Dougherty
January 13, 2014
Cliff was one of the most beloved guests to perform at The Friends of Old Time Radio Convention and possessed of near-boundless energy well into his 90s. We should all hope to have a life as rich and full as Cliff. From beating the Nazis on the radio as Terry of Terry and the Pirates to doing it for real fighting in the Battle of the Bulge he was a great man who enriched the life of all who knew him. RIP. Love to the family from The Friends of Old Time Radio.
Lisa Webster
January 13, 2014
From our family to yours, our deepest regrets..He was a very kind,sweet man.May he rest in peace.
Jay Payton
January 12, 2014
Sincere condolences to the family and friends of Clifford Carpenter. Thank you for your delightful and most memorable contributions to the entertainment industry. Your work will be remembered and admired for generations to come. May You Rest in Peace...
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Funeral services provided by:
Horn & Thomes, Inc. Funeral Home - Pawling83 East Main Street, Pawling, NY 12564
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