Joseph Thomas Carpenter Jr.

Joseph T. Carpenter Jr, 69, passed away on December 28, 2021, with his wife Carolynn (Siebert-Raven), son Scott Carpenter, and daughter Dawn Cervoni holding his hands. He is predeceased by his parents Joseph and Solange (Martin) Carpenter and sister Francine of Albany, NY. He is survived by his brother Christopher (Debra) Carpenter of Guilderland, NY, and sister Julie Carpenter of Troy, NY. Joe is also survived by his beloved bonus children Harold (Erin) Raven of Queensbury, NY, and Jennifer (Ryan) Soltis of Phoenix, AZ in addition to his very much loved and cherished six grandchildren, Jack & Kara Raven, Connor & Chloe Cervoni, and Blake & Adelyn Soltis, along with nephews, nieces, and countless friends and extended family. Joe proudly and honorably served his country in the United States Navy from 1972-1980. He then enlisted in the New York Air National Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing from 1981-1982. Joe re-entered civilian life to raise his family in Altamont, NY, where he also embarked on a nearly 35-year career at Amtrak while also fostering his love of firearms and muscle cars. Joe owned several classic mustangs throughout his life. He loved working on them but loved driving them even more. He was a knowledgeable gunsmith and he enjoyed not only shooting and hunting but teaching his children and grandchildren firearm safety, especially his eldest grandson Jack who he was especially close to. In his retirement years, Joe split his time between Fort Edward, NY, and Phoenix, AZ with his beloved wife Carolynn, driving back and forth with their furry companions, Bandit and Marley. Together, they spent as much time as possible with their grandchildren spoiling and loving them as any good grandparent does. Joe enjoyed spending time with dear friends with a glass of whiskey and a good cigar. A Celebration of Life will be held on January 22, 2022, at Mountain Park Church, 16461 S 48th St., Phoenix, AZ 85048 from 1 to 4 pm (Open House). Official services will be held at Gerald B.H. Solomon National Cemetery in Saratoga this summer. More information to follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Saratoga War Horse Foundation (www.saratogawarhorse.org) or Mission22.com in honor of Joseph Carpenter. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.valleyofthesunfuneralhome.com for the Carpenter family.