“It is not the strength of the body that counts, but the strength of the spirit” J.R.R. Tolkien. We celebrate the life of Edward J. Carpenter, known fondly to all who were close to him as Ed. On February 7, 2024 at the age 68, he passed away peacefully at his home in Utica, MI. Beloved husband of Debra Jo Carpenter; proud dad of Christina Pruett, Amy Conniff (Austen) and Kelley Carpenter, and bonus father of Kristy Orwig (David); Treasured grandpa of Eric, Brandon, Amber, Cheyenne, Courteney, Emelia and Dylen; Dearest brother to Frances Bojakowski, Marjory Foran, Eileen Carpenter, Suzanne Carpenter, Gerald Carpenter (Diana), Daniel Carpenter (Micheal), and Anne Carpenter. Lovingly known as Uncle Ed by his many nephews and nieces, he is also survived by many other extended family members, friends, former co-workers and neighbors alike.
Ed is preceded in death by his first wife, Rhonda Carpenter and his parents, James and Mary Catherine Carpenter, along with siblings Mary, James, William, Grace, Jimmy, Mike, Patrick, Billy, and Timothy.
Born in Detroit Michigan, Ed was the youngest son to a family brood that would eventually consist of 17 children to loving parents, James and Mary Catherine. Upon moving to St. Clair Shores, Ed graduated from South Lake High School and achieved various successes including a long and lucrative career at Ford Motor Company, completing his Bachelor Degree in Business, serving as a Trustee on the South Lake Board of Education for several years, while actively participating in various community fundraisers and engaging in his children’s school events. Ed was a sociable presence, and a light that many gravitated towards. He loved making people laugh, and was never one to shy away from hard work. Musically inclined, you could find him jamming on his guitar or listening to some tunes from The Beatles, Bob Seger or Eric Clapton. Ed was a kid at heart and loved adventure; he loved to play games, watch funny movies and travel to different places. He will be greatly missed by all who know him.
A memorial visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 from 2-8 PM at Resurrection Funeral Home, 40800 Hayes Road, Clinton Township, Michigan. A brief gathering will continue on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at 10 AM, until time of the memorial service at 11 AM, also at Resurrection Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ed’s memory to the Michigan Parkinson’s Foundation or the American Cancer Society.
