John E. Carpenter

John Carpenter, 75, of Willard passed away dancing peacefully on November 7, 2026, at Schuyler Hospital surrounded by his devoted family.

John was born on March 25, 1951, in Seneca Falls, NY to Fayette and Dorothy (nee Keavney) Carpenter of Lodi. As the youngest of six siblings, he relished being spoiled by all his older sisters and brother. He enjoyed tinkering on his '56 Ford and hanging out with all his friends at Lodi Point. He graduated from Ovid High School in 1969 and then the Rochester Institute of Technology (where he impatiently waited for the sun to shine) in 1973 with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. John will be remembered by all who knew him for his sense of humor, work ethic and love of his family.

In 1973, John married his high school sweetheart, Kay and honeymooned across Colorado. They loved the mountains, sun and blue skies so much that they moved there a year later. They enjoyed adventures with each other and friends, before moving back to New York to expand their family with the help of their own. John worked in the Personnel Office at Willard Psychiatric Center until it's closing. He then worked in Senator Nozzolio's office, serving the constituents in the district. He also spent his time volunteering as treasurer of the Ovid Fire Department, arriving to many calls as PBJ (Pretty Boy John) in a suit and tie.

As he moved ahead with retirement life, John could be found at the NAPA store on Saturday mornings to catch up on the gossip and a cold beer. On Sundays, he could be found puttering around the house, working on projects and finding the perfect cardboard box. The afternoons were spent watching NASCAR and football in the breezeway. Music was always playing in the background, and the volume was turned to high whenever "a good song" came on - which inevitably would turn into an impromptu dance party. John's evenings were spent watching re-runs (and re-runs of re-runs) of his favorite shows. He enjoyed celebrating with his extended family and could be found "checking the coal stove" during parties as needed. His favorite place to be was in the backyard, doing his "best work" when the weather got hot. Our family will remember him in all of those spaces and seasons and give cheers to a great man, excellent husband, the best dad a girl (or three) could ever ask for and the most amazing Papa to his boys.

John was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Frances (Bill) Harris, Margie (David) Terry, and Helen Halsey; his niece, Robyn Terry and nephew, Billy Harris, brother-in-law Gunter Minges, and partner in crime Phil Smalser.

John is survived by his wife of 53 years Kay; his daughters, Brooke (Chad) Schmeling, Heather (Jacob) Hayes, and Kristen Carpenter: his grandsons, CJ and John Schmeling, Cameron and Kade Hayes; brother, Steve Carpenter: sister, Sandy Jager; sister-in-law Margaret Elllsworth, many nieces and nephews; bonus daughter Haley Rasnick and longtime family friend Judy Morgan.

Our family would like to thank the staff at Wilmot Cancer Center for treating and curing John's cancer, the staff at Ovid Primary Care, the Med/Surg Floor of Schuyler Hospital for their compassionate end of life care and Linda Nixon for her nursing expertise and caring support.

Our family will be hosting a "Cheeseburger in Paradise" celebration at Lodi Point on June 5th, 2027, with more details to follow. If you wish to honor John, please crack a beer, eat a cheeseburger with lettuce and tomato and enjoy time with your family. Over.