Obituary of Eugene F. Carpenter

Eugene Frederick Carpenter died June 8, 2024 at Lantern Hill Continuing Care Community in New Providence, NJ.

He was born on February 27, 1927, in Morristown NJ, the first member of his family born in the U.S. Gene’s parents, Frederick and Ethel (Reeves) Carpenter immigrated from the U.K. and settled in Madison NJ, which was home to Gene for most of his life. He graduated from Madison High School, serving in the United States Navy 1945-46 aboard the USN Destroyer Escort USS Scott.

Gene was baptized at Grace Episcopal Church, sang in the boys choir, and on July 1, 1956 married Helen MacKay there. Except for a brief time in Chicago, they lived in Madison.

Returning to Madison, Gene continued to work for the telephone company, retiring as Technical Exhibit planner at Bell Labs in Murray Hill and a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America. In retirement he worked at local hardware stores.

Gene was an early member of the Madison Volunteer Ambulance Corps, serving Friday nights for many years. Later he served as a volunteer orderly at Morristown Medical Center. He performed in numerous volunteer roles at Grace Church including vestry, choir, and most notably, as the Buildings and Grounds chair for many years. Gene enjoyed singing as a member of the Orpheus Club, woodworking, railroads, opera and cats.

Gene is predeceased by his parents, brothers Kenneth and Thomas, and his wife Helen. He is survived by his children, the Rev. Catherine Carpenter and her husband Jonathan Holmer, of Valparaiso IN, Fred Carpenter and his wife Eileen Ferrer of Mendham NJ, Christine Cullen and her husband Michael of Madison, and grandsons Thomas Cullen of Morristown and Edward Cullen of Madison.

A Requiem Holy Eucharist will be held 11:00 am Saturday, June 22, 2024 at Grace Episcopal Church, 4 Madison Ave., Madison NJ followed by a luncheon reception. Visiting hours are Friday, June 21, 2024 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm in Grace Hall at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Grace Episcopal Church (www.gracemadison.org), or Madison Volunteer Ambulance Corps. (www.madisonems.org). 

Arrangements are under the care of Burroughs, Kohr & Dangler Funeral Home, Madison, NJ.