David G. Carpenter, Sr.
July 20, 1941 - October 13, 2020
David G. Carpenter, Sr., age 79, of Middletown, DE, passed away on Tuesday, October 13, 2020.
Born in Water Mill, NY on July 20, 1941, he was a son of the late Anthony C. and Mildred (Wright) Carpenter. David retired from New Castle County in January of 2009 after 29 years of service. He finished off his career as a Building Maintenance Supervisor after being a Painter Supervisor, Painter, and Building Maintenance Mechanic. David was charged with the Public Safety Building since its construction finished in 2007, along with multiple other sites, and was responsible for the development and construction of the Paint Booth in the Conner Building. He served as a President for AFSCME Local 459 during the Greenhouse Administration into the Gordon Administration. David was a Life Member of Wilmington Manor Fire Company, serving as Engine Captain, as well as the Fire Prevention Committee Co-Chair. He was instrumental in bringing the Sesame Street Fire Prevention program to the County and throughout the State. He also served as the Fire Prevention Co-Chairman of the County Firefighters Association Committee, and the Christiana Mall Fire Awareness Weekend Committee for 12 years. Prior to his County Career, David co-managed the DuPont Parkway Apartments in New Castle. Additionally, he previously managed several Farms in Delaware and others in Florida and North Carolina for the family business, A.C. Carpenter Inc. Potatoes, of Southampton, NY and Long Island, NY. David cherished spending time with his family watching Atlanta Braves baseball games, picking crabs, and driving his John Deere tractor. David was a dedicated member of St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church.
In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by his wife, Michelle B. “Mickey” (Cantlin) Carpenter; and siblings, Mildred M. “Midge” Zaloga, Joyce Carpenter, Anthony A. Carpenter, Robert Carpenter and Marianne Hedrick. He is survived by his children, Michelle C. “Shelley” Bridge (Harry) and David G. Carpenter, Jr. (Shelly), both of Middletown; grandchildren, Harry “J.B.” Bridge V, Jessica G. Bridge, Paul Anthony Carpenter and Sarah M. Carpenter; sister-in-law, Darlene Carpenter of Lexington, KY; brother-in-law, Jerry Hedrick of Duncan, OK; companion, Linda Levi of Middletown; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Lucky.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5 pm until 7 pm on Wednesday, October 21, 2020, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 275 East Main Street, Middletown, DE. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 am on Thursday, October 22, 2020, at St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church, 2431 Frazer Road, Newark, DE. Interment will follow in New St. Paul’s Cemetery, Cox Neck Road, New Castle, DE. Face masks and social distancing will be required for all in attendance.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in David’s memory to the Wilmington Manor Fire Company, P.O. Box 645, New Castle, DE 19720, Delaware City Fire Company, P.O. Box 251, Delaware City, DE 19706, or to Volunteer Hose Company of Middletown, 27 W. Green Street, Middletown, DE 19709.
Steve and Carol Butsko
Go with God Uncle Dave and be at peace. You will be missed.
All of our love and prayers. Steve and Carol
Janice Kamalski
Me. C,
In addition to being Mitch’s bestie, I also remember many things about you from over the years. You will be missed.
Stephen Redman Maichle
The officers and member send are condolences to you and your family he will be missed.
Wayne Phillips
Always a gentleman. I’m betting he is happily re connected with his Mickey..
RIP.
Kerry & Eric Dietz
Rest in eternal peace Uncle Dave. We will never forget all you did for us when we lived in DE. My one special memory is you ringing the cow bell at our Cantlin family Thanksgivings and making everyone speak. Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand. With All Our Love, Kerry & Eric
George & Kathy Giles
Dave and family – we are so sorry to learn of your dad’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
George & Kathy Giles
Murray & Mary Anne Smith
May he rest in eternal peace and joy. He loved his family and we have fond memories of seeing him at football and band performances. Prayers for his family as we know he will be missed.
Claire J
Shelley, Harry, and kids,
If you believe in God, we all know that your dad is in a better place with your mom. The hard part is for those of us left behind to only be left with the memories. We have had so many too over the years. I remember both your parents as “salt of the earth” good people. We shared holidays, weddings, births, and birthday parties. I remember their beautiful anniversary party in Delaware City in 2003. I remember your mom’s infamous quote of “you have the compassion of a rock😂.” I remember the picture of u in arm with your dad on the fireplace of their old home. I was fortunate to have you as my best friend and getting them in the package as extended family. I will cherish all our memories over these past 40 years as I grow older😘
Jean and Randy Willis
Shelly and Harry,
So sorry to hear about the passing of your father.
William McMichael III & Kathleen McMichael
Dave & Family, so sorry to hear of the loss of you Dad. Our sincere condolences to your entire family.
Sincerely,
Mike & Taffy
Ryan Robinette
Possibly one of the most intimidating, selfless, and loving men I’ve known. Prayers for those left behind and happiness knowing our loved ones are welcoming home with open arms. You will be missed.
Patricia Raicht
Sending love and strength to Shelley, Harry, Dave, Shelly and kids from our family. Sorry we could not be there to help celebrate Uncle Dave’s life of service. We are thinking of you all at this time. Lots of love, Trisha, Ann Marie, Sprout and Hunter.
Pat Lutz DiIenno
So sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. He was a nice man. Thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
Sandra Grinnage
To the family so sorry to hear about Dave’s passing, be blessed I worked with Dave in Facility Maintenance. Sandra Grinnage
Joe Brown
So sorry to hear about Dave’s passing. He was a nice man and a friend.
May God & Jesus be with the family during this time of brevement.
Donna Burnette
Dear Carpenter and Bridge Family,
I sincerely offer my deepest condolences. Your father and grandfather was always a very special person to me. Dave was always so welcoming and friendly and always ready to offer advice on just about any subject. Dave was a very talented man and always very ambitious to accomplish his goals. Although it’s been a while since I last saw him, I will miss him. I will pray God’s strength for you during this time. God will comfort you during this time of mourning.
susan lipscy
I worked with Dave through the Newark Free Library. I still have his phone number on my cell contact list – for immediate library help. A very caring man.
Lisa Banaszak Lewis
So sorry for the loss of this man. I didn’t know him well, but he employed and mentored my 3 brothers Ken,Mark and Steve Banaszak . He was good to them , and they learned a lot from him. May God be with his family ! Lisa Lewis
Debbie Bender
While you will be missed here with us Uncle Dave I’m sure that Aunt Mickey, Gramma and Grandpa, Mom, Aunt Joyce, Uncle Tony, Uncle Bob, Aunt Marianne, and little Gramma and Grandpa are all smiling down from above now that you are with them again
Shelley and David I’m so sorry for your loss
What a truly gracious man your Dad was
He will be missed by many
Mike Donahue
Thoughts and Prayers to the Carpenter Family
Rest In Peace Dave
Gary H. Heller and Family
A Long time Friend and Fire Fighter, I will miss your Dad, we go way back when you kids were little at Dupont Parkway Apt.
A great Wilmington Manor Fire Fighting Family
May your Dad and Mom Rest in Peace Now.
God be with you all
Amelia Burley
Dave will be miss. He was a good person. He will be miss at pockets. God bless the family prayers are with u
Robert M Fischer
Dave and Family,
I am very sorry for the passing of your dad. He was a very nice guy and was always very friendly and helpful during our days at New Castle County. Please accept my sincere condolences and prayers.
Bob Fischer
Tim maran
Just finished reading the obit. Would love to hear from one of the children so I can share some stories about Dave and I between 1950-1960.
These were the Hay day of our trips around Mecox which would take up a whole Saturday, our bike races , the bike repair shop in the Tower. And, our Naval Invasion of a neighboring property of kids. Our homemade bike trailer to pick up penny return bottles around all the potato fields. I saw where Dave liked to pick crabs. I just finished my last run of crabbing for the season on Mecox Bay and we had them last night. So sorry but he and Mickey had a full life. Sincerely, Tim Maran
Linda Ward Skehan
Dear Shelley & David,
Your parents were my hero! Not just growing up but still. The respect I have for them, well I just can’t find the words. No matter what was going on, when the call came over, and the siren rang… they went. No matter what was going on. Your Mom gave me my first crash course on CPR, and your Dad was fast enough to hit the breaks that I didn’t get ran over. I made a particular call, and I heard the doors shut on their car and the engine start.They were coming to help, I ran out the door right in front of their car, and said its me… I need help. Your Mom jumped out and was on my heals as I ran back in the house. Your Dad went on to get the ambulance.. They stopped back at the house that night to give me the news in person. Your Mom hugged me, and that wasn’t the first time they had been there for me. No matter where we were or who was around.. your Mom always hugged & kissed me. And your Dads quiet respect, just a hand on my shoulder told me no matter what I needed, I was safe with them. I can’t begin to tell you how blessed you both were to have them as your parents..But you already know that! Not only is this a loss for the both of you, but for everyone who ever crossed their path, or community is better because of the amazing team they were. God Bless your whole family and many prayers for you all.
Shelley, I don’t know if Amy has your phone number, but I would love to catch up. Linda Ward Skehan