John H. Carpenter
Meriden- John H. Carpenter, 86, husband of 63 years to Audrey (Ellstrom) Carpenter died on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at the Conn. Baptist Home. He was born January 30, 1925 in Meriden a son of the late Howard and Viola (Barker) Carpenter. John proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II; second armored division in Europe and the Battle of the Bulge. He worked for several small dairies in Meriden and later was a custodian for the Meriden Public School system. He was a life member of the Yalesville VFW, the Eastern Draft Horse Association and South Meriden Trinity United Methodist Church. John enjoyed fairs and horse pulling events, traveling all over the country and Canada. In addition to his wife, Audrey, he is survived a daughter, Karen (Edward) O'Neal of Meriden, two sons, Richard (Patricia) Carpenter of Windsor and Kenneth (Mary) Carpenter of Wallingford, four grandchildren, Steven and David O'Neal, Michele Bloom and Jeffrey Carpenter, eight great-granddaughters and a sister Marjorie McLarty of Meriden. He was predeceased by four brothers, Ralph, Kenneth, Henry and Arthur Carpenter, two sisters, Bernice LeHerissier and Bessie Iwanicki and a daughter-in-law, Leona G. (Cookie) Carpenter. A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 20, 2011at 11:00am at the Beecher & Bennett-Flatow Funeral Home, 48 Cook Ave., Meriden. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 9-11am. Burial with military honors will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Conn. Baptist Home, 292 Thorpe Ave., Meriden, CT 06450.
I was 4 when we moved to West Main. Soon 624 became a second home. It was Jack that taught me how to eat cheese and jelly sandwiches, as I hated peanut butter. I remember the summer we performed a show under Sackey’s grape arbor. Jack was the first one to buy a ticket. We all had such a good time growing up in that neighborhood. I remember those times and Jack & Audrey with great fondness. They made their house a second home and I love them for that. My thoughts and prayers go out to the all of the family. Jack is hurting no more and we can be thankful for that. Remember him with a smile. Love Beth
Dear Rick, Karen, and Ken, We were blessed growing up in the old neighborhood. We didn’t realize it then, but we sure realize it now, that those early days of our youth were special. And, what made them special was the fact that we not only had one set of loving parents. No, we had a whole neighborhood of loving parents, just like our own, that loved us and watched over us and gave us the freedom to play, roam and grow. Yes, those were special times that I think about often. And like my own parents, Jack and Audrey were there for me and my sisters Sharon and Beth, and we will never forget them and the influence they made in our lives. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your Mom and the rest of the Carpenter family at this sad time. Love, Rick
Just found this obituary. Sorry to hear about your loss. Many years have gone by but I have many fond memories too. Yours always, Jim (Art’s son, of course)