Edward M. Carpenter

Edward M. Carpenter, 88, born May 28, 1926, passed away Tuesday, December 2, 2014.He is survived by his loving family; son, Dwight (Linda) Carpenter; daughter, Kathleen (Robert) Donahue; grandsons, David Gillette of Elmira, NY, Kevin (Gina) Donahue of Rochester, NY, Christopher (Jocelyn) Donahue of Jacksonville, FL, Brett Carpenter of Rome, Italy, Nicholas (Coryn) Carpenter of Amesbury, MA; 7 Great Grandchildren; Sisters, Beverly (Hobbie) Clark of Florida, Vivian (Richard) Allington of Pine City; Sisters-in-law, Mary Ellen Mitchell of Elmira, Mary (Drex) Palmer of Florida; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and caring, dedicated friends and neighbors.Edward was predeceased by his beloved wife Betty in 1992; his parents, Eugene and Edna Carpenter; brothers, Richard Carpenter, Douglas (Donna) Carpenter; daughter-in-law, Jeani Carpenter; and sisters- and brothers-in-law, Eileen and Jim Curns, Catherine and Frank Vawter, and Arnold Mitchell.Edward was a WWII Veteran serving in the Pacific from 1945 to 1946.He retired after 39 years of service from NYSEG as a Gas Service Estimator in 1986.Although he was 88 years in age, Edward was much younger in body and spirit.After having had open heart surgery and prostate cancer, Ed made it his mission to take care of himself.He stopped smoking, walked 2-3 miles every day, bowled, played tennis and horseshoes.Very active and extremely independent until the last 4 months when he learned he had cancer again, Edward never gave up when the odds were stacked against him.He was definitely a fighter with a strong will to live.Very artistic and creative, Edward loved painting and working with woods.He was especially patient and intricate when hand carving ducks and once took months to make a replica of the Mark Twain Study out of matchsticks.He was always the perfectionist.Being a homebody, Edward loved working in his yard in nice weather and sitting by his wood stove watching sports during the cold weather.He also enjoyed playing cards, especially Texas Hold-Em, along with playing Scrabble and occasional trips to the casino in Tioga. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 Pennsylvania Ave. Elmira, NY, Friday, December 5, 2014 from 3:00PM to 6:00PMFuneral and Committal prayers celebrating Ed's life will be held at the conclusion of the calling hours at 6:00PM. Deacon George Welch will officiate with full military honors accorded honoring Edward's personal sacrifice to his country.Graveside services will be held privately at the convenience of the family in St. Peter and Paul's Cemetery.Growing up in the Depression and working two jobs to support his family in the beginning, we are asking that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Southern Tier Food Back to help those in need, especially over the holiday season.