Oreste Chester Carbone Jr.

Rusty was born to Oreste and Shirley Carbone (Bell) on December 5, 1960 in Athol, Massachusetts. Raised and educated locally, Rusty was a graduate of Athol High School.

Rusty would follow his father in operating the family business, Northeastern Furniture in Athol, and would remain involved in the business until its closing. Rusty would later work for Georgia-Pacific in Brattleboro, VT, and then spent the next several years as a salesman for local car dealerships. Rusty would later own and operate Carbone’s Removal Service until he retired.

Rusty was an avid hunter and fisherman, often finding his own peace with nature. Hunting and fishing was not only for him, but something he could share with his family, and he deeply treasured sharing that peace with those he loved. This was not only how he enjoyed spending his time, but how he shared his legacy with generations to come. Rusty was an amazing cook, known for his venison, garbage omelets, chicken marsala, and many others.

Rusty will be especially missed by his children, Robert LaClaire and his girlfriend, Jarica Goodrich; Tara Aither (Carbone) and her husband, Benjamin Aither; Ashley Copeta (LaClaire) and her husband, Jonathan Copeta; Oreste “Rory” Carbone III and his wife, Sarah Carbone (Bushnell); Shelby Carbone and her fiancé, Alec Fleming; and Jordin Brown (Carbone) and her husband, Timothy Brown.

Rusty is also survived by his four siblings: Cara Mantz (Carbone), Mia Carbone, Danielle Battaini (Carbone), and Chad Carbone, as well as his nieces and nephew, along with many extended family members and friends who were lucky enough to know and love him.

Rusty loved his family above all else. He would raise his six children at his home in Winchester, NH, a place where all were welcome. More often than not, Rusty would not only enjoy time with his children, but their friends, too. With family being paramount, Rusty made those around him feel like they were a part of his family.

He truly loved his 17 grandchildren more than life itself, and treasured the time he was able to spend with them. He always looked forward to being able to visit them and, even late into his illness, they brought him tremendous joy. His grandchildren were an immense source of pride for him, and they will carry his love, stories, humor, and probably a few of his less-filtered sayings with them for the rest of their lives.

Rusty leaves behind a lifetime of memories: fishing trips, hunting stories, time by the ocean, family gatherings, laughter, inappropriate comments at exactly the wrong moment, and countless moments that his family will remember and re-tell for years to come.

He was not perfect—and he would probably be the first one to tell you that. But he was Rusty, and there will never be another one quite like him.

He loved hard. He gave generously. He spoke his mind. He made people laugh. And he left his mark on everyone who knew him.

Though he is no longer here with us, his love will live on through his children, his 17 grandchildren, his siblings, his nieces and nephews, and the many people whose lives he touched.

Friends and family are invited to call at the Fletcher Funeral Home, 33 Marlboro St., Keene on October 29, 2026 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Burial will be held privately by the family.

Until we meet again, Dad. We love you more than you’ll ever know.