Write a commentKenneth P. “Pete” Carpenter, 85, of Oswego, passed away Sunday night at Seneca Hill Manor.
Pete was born on March 14, 1940 in Waban, Massachusetts. He was the son of James S. Carpenter and Mary Ellen (Nolan) Carpenter.
Pete was a 1957 graduate of Christian Brothers Academy, Syracuse. He attended St. Bernard’s Seminary, Rochester, before transferring to LeMoyne College where he received his BA in Latin in 1961. In 1970, he also completed an MA in Guidance and Administration at SUNY Oswego.
Pete was predeceased in 2013 by Honor (Barnes) Carpenter, his wife of 52 years. He is survived by his seven children: Daniel (Jean Maxon, deceased) of Rhode Island, Timothy (Elizabeth) of Cazenovia, Kevin (Margie) of Liverpool, Michael (Pam) of Massachusetts, Christopher of Oswego, Julie Cahill (Michael) of Oswego and Matthew (Patrise) of Canastota; one brother-in-law, James Barnes; and 10 grandchildren: Robert, Margaret, Zoie, Jack, Claire, Jaleel, Kaleel, Sophia, Madeline, and Declan; and one great grandchild: Zayden; and several nieces and nephews.
Pete served as a Latin teacher at Dolgeville High School, from 1961-1964 and then at Indian River High School, Philadelphia, NY, 1964-1969, before serving as a counselor and Vice Principal at the same school, 1970-1978. He also coached Varsity Boys Basketball at Indian River. He was so admired by his students that he had two yearbooks dedicated to him. He and his family then moved to Oswego, where he spent the rest of his career as Head of Guidance at Oswego High School before retiring in 1991. He enjoyed a long and active retirement in Oswego before passing on March 23.
A lifelong member (62 years) of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, he was particularly active at the Oswego Elks Lodge #271, where he served as Exalted Ruler in 1992, followed in 1999 by a term as a State Vice President. He also worked as Steward of the lodge and led numerous philanthropic and social programs over the years, including many group trips to Cleveland Browns football games, Elks State and National meetings and Bowling tournaments, and, most famously, Pete’s Eye-opener on New Year’s Day for more than twenty years.
Among his many pursuits were basketball, bowling, golf, singing, and ice fishing. He played semi-professional basketball in the Border League in the North Country through the 1960s as a fearsome and talented center though he only had a 10 inch vertical leap. He was an enthusiastic bowler and golfer, though his passion sometimes exceeded his ability.
A fantastic singer, Peter sang in the church choir at St. Luke’s church of Oswego as well as the Elks Club State choir. He loved music overall and attended many concerts over the decades including a highlight of seeing the Eagles perform at Darien Lake at their Hell Freezes Over tour. Pete often remembered the dawn of Rock n Roll and spoke of seeing such acts as Chuck Berry, Bill Haley and the Comets, Carl Perkins, Little Richard and many others.
None of his pursuits would have been possible without his partnership with his wife, Honor, whom he met one weekend in Inlet, NY, where they danced the jitterbug all day and night for two straight days. They were married one year later and remained devoted to each other through the birth and raising of seven children and all the attendant joys, trials and tribulations.
Pete will be widely remembered for his work ethic, and incomparable and infectious joy for living, and an apparently endless capacity for remembering faces and names. His numerous friends in Oswego, New York State, and beyond will fondly remember him for his happy nature, good will, and ebullience. His family will remember him similarly, but also for his loving care as a parent and his wise advice on many life issues, and, most deeply, for his devoted care of their mother and his wife, Honor, in her final years and throughout their long marriage.
The Carpenter family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the staff and volunteers at the Manor at Seneca Hill for their loving care and concern in the time Pete was in their care.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 Friday, March 28th, at the Oswego Country Club on Route 48 in Oswego.
Calling hours will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 Thursday, March 27th, at the Dain-Cullinan Funeral Home, 112 East Second Street in Oswego.
Burial will be at a later date in Oswego Town Rural Cemetery.
Contributions in his memory can be made to the Oswego Elks Lodge #271, 132 West 5th St., Oswego, NY 13126.
