Deacon Gary Edward Carpenter, age 81, of Milton, Delaware, a retired Deacon for the Diocese of Bridgeport, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family Sunday, December 25, 2022 in Wilmington, DE.
Born in Bridgeport, the son of the late Hubert and Viola (Hurlburt) Carpenter, he was raised in Black Rock. He graduated from Black Rock School, Bassick High School, attended Salem College and received a BS in Graphic Design from the University of Bridgeport.
Deacon Gary was employed for many years as a Creative Art Director at the C.R. Gibson Company in Norwalk and used his talent to design the layout of Fairfield County Catholic. Gary volunteered for Young Life, a non-denominational ministry to middle and high school students in Darien, CT.
Gary was ordained to the Diaconate for the Diocese of Bridgeport in 1986 and was assigned to St. Stephen’s Church in Trumbull serving there for 27 years where he assisted with pastoral duties including the Parish Advisory Council, conducted Confirmation and First Holy Eucharist training, taught CCD and helped run the RCIA program. Gary was a leader in the Emmaus ministry at St. Stephens, sharing the love of God with high school students for many years.
When called on, Gary would also assist other parishes throughout the Diocese which he took great pleasure in doing. He was a 3rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus-St. Stephen’s Council #13063. Gary led a Bible study group in Black Rock that led to the creation of the Black Rock Food Pantry with fellow member, the late Gerry Habansky. He had a smile that could not be forgotten and his sense of humor kept his friends and family laughing.
Gary loved God and loved others, he will be sadly missed by his beloved wife of 58 years, Joan (Lattin) Carpenter of Milton, DE; four loving children, Thomas Carpenter and his wife Kim of Southbury, James Carpenter and his wife, Julie of Wilmington, DE, Aaron Carpenter and his wife, Linda of Wilmington DE, and Caitlin Bell and her husband, Ben of Wilmington, DE; nine cherished grandchildren, Megan, Caleb, Rachel, Ashley, James, Michael, Molly, Liam, and Brady; a sister Sally Pennoyer and her husband, Ray of Beacon Falls; a sister-in-law, Carol Carpenter of MA and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Douglas Carpenter.
Deacon Gary will be received at St. Stephen’s Church Monday, January 2, 2023, at 3:30 p.m. and will lie in repose from 4-8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by The Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Stephens Church. Interment will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery, Fairfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Black Rock Food Pantry, 5 King Street, Bridgeport, CT 06605
