William E. Carpenter

William Edward Carpenter, 86, of Hampton, CT, beloved husband of Kathleen (Alape) Carpenter, passed from this life suddenly on December 12, 2022 as the result of a heart attack while driving to pick up his daily Dunkin coffee.

Born on July 22, 1936 in Oneco, CT to John and Rose (Constantine) Carpenter, Bill attended schools in Moosup, CT and Plainfield High School, Class of 1954.

Bill was an outstanding, three sport athlete in high school and had two professional baseball opportunities, participating in spring training with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1955 ("I caught Don Drysdale!") and with the Red Sox in 1956. He participated for 15 years in semi-professional leagues in Norwich, New London, and Willimantic. Later, Bill attended what is now Eastern CT State University where he was the baseball team's catcher. Bill earned his Master’s and administrative certificate at the University of CT, taught in Mystic, then became a successful, respected and beloved school principal in Stonington, Plainfield and Coventry, CT for 35 years until 1996. He then served as an interim school administrator in many Connecticut towns. 

Bill raised five children in Plainfield, spending an extraordinary amount of time and dedication to coaching Little League, and scrap-booking his and other children's athletic activities.

In 1986 Bill married Kathleen Alape-Morin, moved to Scotland, CT and was adopted enthusiastically and lovingly by Kathleen's family, including his devoted stepdaughters Kimberly Kramer and Amanda Norton. Soon after, Bill became Grampa to their four children, Christopher, Jack and Allison Dazy, and Jace Kramer and great-grandson, Gabriel William Dazy. He deeply appreciated the love and help he received from his stepdaughters' husbands, Kevin Kramer and Jamie Norton, and was a cherished brother-in-law to Joyce and Russ Hansen and Phil Alape. Bill was grateful for, and returned in full measure, the family's deep affection.

In 1990, Bill and Kathleen moved to their new home in Hampton where Bill served as a member of the Democratic Town Committee and the Board of Assessment Appeals.

Bill was dedicated to solving crossword puzzles and was a prolific creator of hundreds of rebus puzzles with which to challenge others. ("You wanna do a puzzle?") Every day, 7 p.m. found him watching Jeopardy. Bill's cooking skills were welcome at family gatherings where his apple pie and baked beans were in great demand.

Bill enjoyed his years playing on the Willimantic Senior Golf League, telling stories in classrooms as a member of Northeast Storytellers, and cheering for the Red Sox and the UCONN women's basketball team. His collection of logo golf balls numbered in the thousands. In retirement, Bill and Kathy divided their time between homes in Hampton, CT and Winter Harbor, Maine, and spent winters in Ormond by the Sea, FL. Together always, they enjoyed several visits to Bermuda and road trips around the U.S.

Bill always had a song in his heart and enjoyed serenading Kathleen with his vast repertoire of love songs, as well as silly tunes for the kids.

In addition to his beloved wife of 36 years, Kathleen, and his adopted family, Bill is survived by his five dear children from an earlier marriage: William (Linda Blackie), Alan (Heidi),and Paul (Robin) Carpenter, Brenda (Brad) Cohen, Lisa Jankowski, and grandchildren Ashley, Wesley, Emma, Kelly, Kristen and David Carpenter, Sarah and Steven Jankowski, Christopher and Kara Mahew, Shawn Thomas, great-grandchildren Karsyn and Rory Carpenter, Josh and Owen Laprade, sisters Mary Desjardins and Ann (Duane) Schank, many nieces and nephews, dear friends David and Marie Marchesseault and special neighbors, the Von Edwins.

Bill is predeceased by a sister Esther Demuth, grandson Ryan Carpenter, and brothers-in-law, Bob Alape and Bill Alape.

Bill was a kind, generous, gregarious, humorous man who will be missed dearly, especially by the woman he called "My Kathleen, the love of my life." No greater love is there than that of a man who would choose to watch the NY Yankees instead of his Red Sox game if it meant his Kathleen would sit by his side.

Bill's family wishes to thank the drivers who stopped to provide immediate care, the Chaplin first responders, and the WCMH medical staff for their valiant and kind efforts.

We ask that you omit flowers in favor of a donation to benefit students in the Music program at Plainfield High School. Make checks to PHS Music Fund, 105 Putnam Rd., Central Village, CT 06332 with “Carpenter Memorial” in the memo line.

There will be no calling hours. His Funeral Mass will be on Monday, December 19, 2022 at 11:00am at St. Philip the Apostle Church, 64 Pompey Hollow Rd. Ashford, CT 06278. Due to the increase in COVID and flu, please wear a mask inside the church. His burial will be private.

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