Robert Carpenter

ROCHESTER - Robert E. Carpenter, 90, passed away on Sept. 9, 2009, at the Gafney Home following a period of failing health with his family by his side. Born Sept. 22, 1918, in South Lebanon, Maine, he was the son of Ernest and Hattie (Wentworth) Carpenter. He was the sixth child of nine children. Robert attended a one-room school in South Lebanon for four years and when it closed, he transferred to the Rochester school system. He graduated from Rochester High School in 1937. He worked in the Woolen Mill and Hubbard Shoe Company in East Rochester. Robert served in the U.S. Air Force for three years and eight months as an airplane mechanic, reaching the grade of S/Sgt. He was discharged Dec. 1, 1945. He married Martha Bagley of East Rochester in 1945. After working in local businesses, he was employed at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. He entered as a machinist helper and advanced to Shop 38 superintendent. He was a nuclear supervisor for over 25 years and earned the position of refueling supervisor. He retired in 1980. After retiring from the Navy yard, he worked at the Gafney Home for 14 years as a maintenance person. Robert had many nicknames such as Bob, Carpy and Joe. He was a member of Humane Lodge 21 of Rochester for 45 years. He was also a member of Cold Spring Cemetery Assn. of East Rochester, Keay Field Baseball Assn. of East Rochester. Member of NARFE of Rochester, life member of National Assn. of Superintendent of U.S. Naval Shore Establishments. He was a member of AARP, member and Trustee of Grace Baptist Church. He later regularly attended Emmanuel Advent Christian Church, Rochester for over 25 years. He enjoyed sports, especially baseball and football. He enjoyed music and had over 300 tapes, many records and CDs. He always remembered his life with Martha, his devoted wife of over 59 years. He leaves a sister-in-law, Edna Carpenter of Fort Worth, Texas; special nephews, Thomas Blake, Roger Carpenter and his wife, Mary, of Rochester; special niece, Ruthann Lemieux of Milford, N.H.; several other nieces and nephews. Family and friends may call Friday, Sept. 11, from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the R. M. Edgerly and Son Funeral Home, 86 South Main St., Rochester.A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. in the chapel of the funeral home with his nephew, the Rev. Brent Carpenter, officiating.Burial will take place at Old Cold Spring Cemetery in East Rochester.Flowers are acceptable, or memorial donation may be made to the Gafney Home, 90 Wakefield St., Rochester, NH 03867, or to the charity of one's choice.Visit the online guest book at www.fosters.com/obits