Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

United States Naval Academy Columbarium

John (Jack) Rudolph Carpenter died on April 4, 2019 at his home in Annapolis, Maryland surrounded by his loving family.

John was born on August 19, 1956 at Brooke Army Medical Hospital at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX to then 2nd Lieutenant and Mrs. John A. Carpenter. As the son of a career USAF officer, he spent his youth living in Texas, Hawaii, New Jersey, Arizona, California, and Virginia. John was an Eagle Scout and was always adventurous – he loved spending time outdoors in the wilderness and  was a member of the Varsity Water Polo and Varsity Swimming teams in high school.

Always happiest when near the sea or sailing open waters, John was honored to be selected as a midshipman and entered the Naval Academy in the summer of 1974. He was a proud member of the USNA Class of 1978 – 29th Company.

Following graduation with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Oceanography, John reported to Turner Joy (DD-951), where he was anti-submarine warfare officer, combat information center officer, naval gunfire support officer and ship intelligence officer; and was a plankowner of Ticonderoga (CG-47), where he was main propulsion assistant/engineer. His decorations include the National Defense Medal, Sharpshooter Ribbon and Surface Warfare insignia.

Following his Navy career, John joined Raytheon in Portsmouth, RI as a Systems Engineer where he oversaw development of MK-48 Advanced Capability (AdCap) torpedo software for submarine fired torpedoes. After Raytheon, John served 10 years in the U.S. Merchant Marines with a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine License - Second Mate Unlimited Tonnage; All oceans/Captain of 1600 ton. 

John founded two Veteran-owned small businesses that are still in operation: Maine Labpack Inc. (1997) and MLi Environmental (2005) both specializing in hazardous waste packing, transport and disposal.

In his adult life, John lived in Albuquerque, NM; Long Beach and San Diego, CA; Pascagoula, MS; Newport, RI; Portland, ME; New York, NY and returned for his final months to Annapolis, MD. 

John's favorite activity in life was being a father and friend to his daughter Elizabeth and son John. He enjoyed sailing, camping, hiking, running, hunting and traveling.  He loved exploring new adventures throughout his travels. He had the driest of humor and enjoyed making people laugh … even to the end; when he was still making his friends and family smile. That sense of humor will be remembered with so much love.
 
John leaves to cherish his memories, his mother Irma Elia (Nena) Castro Carpenter of Georgetown, TX; daughter Elizabeth Clare Carpenter of Annapolis, MD; son John William Carpenter of Kelly, WY; partner Cassandra Past of New York, NY; sisters Lisa Sarita Salinas (Arnold) of Houston, TX and Pilar Maria Carpenter (Terry Shutz) of Leesburg, VA; brother Donald Eduardo Carpenter of Austin, TX; nieces Jessica Sarita Corey (Tim) of Leesburg, VA; Alexandra Sarita Salinas of Houston, TX; Victoria Pilar Carpenter of Austin, TX; and Danielle Irma Carpenter of Austin, TX; nephews Dominic Arnold Salinas of Houston, TX; Philip Antonio Salinas of Houston, TX; and Donald Ricardo Carpenter; grandniece Meadow Milagro Corey of Leesburg, VA; former spouse Katherine Camila Miller of Annapolis, MD; extended family and friends.

Preceded in death by his father Colonel John Arnold Carpenter (USAF); his paternal grandparents Lt. Col Donald Milton Carpenter (USAF) and Gladys Ayers Carpenter; and his maternal grandparents Eduardo Flores Castro and Mariana Sanchez Castro. 

Memorial Services are being held on April 17, 2019 at 1100 hrs at the United States Naval Academy Chapel followed by a Committal Service with Military Honors at the Naval Academy Columbarium overlooking Weems Creek. Family and friends will gather at the Naval Academy Club to celebrate his life at 1215 hrs.

 Gifts in the memory of John R. Carpenter may be sent to either Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, MD 21122 OR the United States Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation, 247 King George Street, Annapolis, MD 21402 (Class of 1978).

Please take a moment and leave a condolence for his family by using the link on this page.

John R. Carpenter

John R. Carpenter

John Carpenter Services

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