Duane G. Carpenter

Duane G. Carpenter
Holland Patent
Duane Gerard Carpenter, 55, died without notice Monday, July 1, 2013. His family, to say the least, is devastated. Born on November 15, 1957, he was the son of Arthur William and Geraldine Mary (Wheelock) Carpenter, Sr. He enlisted and served in the United States Navy from 1975-79 and 1982-86. Duane was a true patriot and kept up on current affairs. He was extremely proud of his son, US Army SPC Tom, who recently graduated from Ranger school. Tom is currently serving with the New York National Guard. He was employed by the Masonic Care Community in maintenance repair. Multi-talented, he had vast knowledge in wiring, heating, plumbing and carpentry and took great pride in the home he built for his family. His rank among ten children was seventh, the initial member of the "four little boys". His brother, Frankie (eighth), was his best friend all the years he lived. Members of his family claimed he should have been a comedian; his keen perception awakened amusement and his quiet, unending wit tickled his friends and loved ones (most of the time). Duane was a fixer of all things, too, unafraid to tackle any project. When he didn't feel like doing it himself, he had no qualms about giving instruction. From a chair. With a beer. He was a special husband, father, Poppy, brother and uncle. Family was the most important thing in his life. He enjoyed reading, gardening and possessed exceptional writing skills. The pool and the fence of sunflowers that often surrounded it were his pride and joy. He liked sticking close to home. He will never be forgotten. Your nephew Johannes and all the rest look forward to a heavenly toast with you, Du. Until then, God bless you and angels watch over you. Duane was predeceased by both parents and two brothers, Arthur William Carpenter, Jr., and Donal Robert Carpenter. He leaves behind his loving, considerate wife, Peggy (White); a devoted, extraordinary son, Tom (Corrine); four beautiful, tenderhearted daughters, Cori, Holland Patent, Katie, Utica, and Meghan and Brittani, Oriskany; three grandsons, Cole, Hunter and Lincoln; one granddaughter, Arianna; his step-mom, Nancy Carpenter, Sherrill; three brothers, Howard (Chiharu), Roseville, CA, Frankie, Westernville, and Dan (Alison), Montgomery; four sisters, Mari Wilson (Joe), Wells, Ellen Carpenter, Walkill, Christine Gilman (Jeff), Frederick, MD, and Jean Carpenter, Utica; sisters-in-law, Colleen Carpenter, Pamela Burke, Cheslie Ruffrage and Catherine White; brother-in-law, Peter White (Wendy); nieces and nephews, Erin, Sean, Naomi, Cristi, Ian, Nathan, Jodie, Jessica, Jon, Johannes, Raphael, Gabe, Sara, Eric, Prissy, Ashley, Jason, Shelby, Sara, Brendan, Alyse, David, Stephanie, Shanleigh, Samantha, Bobby, Caitlin and Tommy; and several grandnieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated on Friday at 10:00 AM at St. Leo's & St. Ann's Catholic Church, 7939 Elm St., in Holland Patent. There are no public calling hours. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the Funeral Mass. Interment with Military Honors will be in Holland Patent Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Dimbleby, Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral Home, Holland Patent. For online expressions of sympathy, please go to www.dfwefh.com.