George E. Carpenter Jr.

Rye – George E. Carpenter, Jr., 95, former longtime resident of Rye, died surrounded by family on Friday, November 6, 2015 at The Ridge of Exeter. He was born August 4, 1920 in Burlington, VT, to George E. and Annie (Morrill) Carpenter. George graduated from Vergennes High School in Vergennes, VT and attended Springfield College in Springfield, MA. A member of the Greatest Generation, he answered his country’s call and served as a Captain with US Army Air Corps as a pilot flying the C-47 aircraft in the Pacific theatre. George returned home to marry his wartime pen pal, Elva (Stevens) Carpenter, his wife for 69 years. He learned the design and furniture business working in Macy's in Herald Square before moving to NH and opening a business of his own, the Home Center of Rye in 1956. Although he retired in 1985, George continued part-time with his son Bill for several more years. His work brought beauty and sophistication to homes and businesses throughout the Seacoast and New England. He was a member of the American Society of Interior Design. A man of compassion and great generosity, Mr. Carpenter always had time for people. Whether his friends, a stranger, a customer or a new resident at The Ridge, George was often one of the first to greet and welcome them. Many were touched by his care and humor. He enjoyed encouraging and cheering on his grandchildren and great grandchildren in all of their endeavors. His family will miss his wit, wisdom, and wonderful conversations. George was a longtime member of both Bethany Church and Rye Congregational Church. He made his home at The Ridge in Exeter since 2006. In addition to his wife, he leaves two sons, Steven Carpenter and wife Marty of Vinalhaven, ME, William Carpenter and wife Virginia of Port St. Lucie, FL and York, ME, two daughters, Ann Hawkes and husband Rev. Dr. Thomas Hawkes of Charlotte, NC, Jean Whittet and husband Rev. Robert Whittet of Rye, eleven grandchildren, Steven Carpenter and wife Mimi Loureiro of Rye, William Carpenter of York, ME, Kristin Carpenter of Boynton Beach, FL, Ethan Whittet and wife Elisabeth of Somerville, MA, Justin Whittet and fiancée Ellen O’Connell of Portsmouth, Aaron Whittet and wife Mackenzie of Portsmouth and Amanda (Whittet) Miller and husband Matthew of Ann Arbor, MI, Collin Hawkes and wife Kerry of Charlotte, NC, Taylor Hawkes of Baton Rouge, LA, Brandon Hawkes of Cullowhee, NC, and Preston Hawkes of Charlotte, NC, four great-grandchildren and his brother, Paul Carpenter of Crossville, TN and other extended family. Services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, November 9 at the Rye Congregational Church, 580 Washington Road, Rye. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Camp Joy Future Fund, c/o Christian Education Ministries, 1 Cleveland Street, Greenville, SC 29601

George E. Carpenter Jr.

August 4, 1920 - November 6, 2015