Dorman Russell Carpenter

Dorman Russell “Carp” Carpenter, 86, of Tampa, Florida, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2026. He was born on July 9, 1940, in Waterbury, Connecticut, to Harold Irving Carpenter and Alice Mae Layden.

Carp lived a life filled with family, hard work, adventure, laughter, and love. On July 1, 2000, he married the love of his life, Jean Marie Hayes. Together, they shared a beautiful life and a love that was truly one of a kind. If there was ever a love that could be called perfect, it was theirs—a love that felt like a fairytale. Carp and Jean enjoyed traveling together in their motor home, visiting every state in the country (minus four) before eventually making their home in Florida.

Carp was a hardworking and skilled man. He managed the carpet department at Sears for more than 30 years before going on to own B&C Carpet Company. He was also a talented handyman who could put his hands to just about anything. He took pride in his work and in being someone others could count on.

Outside of work, Carp enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He loved playing horseshoes, golfing, cookouts, traveling, and, most of all, spending time with his family. His greatest joy was the people he loved, and the memories he created with them will be treasured for generations to come.

Carp was preceded in death by his sister, Catherine Sexton; grandchildren Ashley Packard, Kayla Baker and Sean Baker.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Jean Marie Carpenter; his children and their spouses, Carlin and John Mansir, Elaine and David Easa, Wendy Baker and Lance, Kimberlie Carpenter, Carleen Kupcis and Aleks, Peter Butler, Patrick Butler, and Paul Butler; his siblings, Dorna Grey and Robert Grey; his grandchildren, Brittany Packard, Amanda Flynn, Jessica Kelble, Sam Morais, Elise Baker, Stephen Carpenter, Derryck Carpenter, Daina Carpenter; and his great-grandchildren, Lukis Dyer, Luke Belyea, Jett Kelble, and Jacie Kelble.

Carp leaves behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, love, and memories. He will be deeply missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

His life was a testament to the importance of loving deeply, working hard, enjoying the journey, and cherishing family. Though he is gone, the love he shared with Jean and the memories he created with those around him will live on in the hearts of his family forever.