John R. Carpenter

John R. Carpenter “Jack”, of 8 Forest Lane and more currently of Bridges Cornell Heights passed away on, August 13, 2019 at the age of 88.  He was born in Seneca Falls, NY on November 15, 1930, son of Rupert and Martha Dunham Carpenter.  He was affectionately known to many as ‘Grandpa Jack’. He was loved and respected by all.  He was good natured all of the time and the most easygoing and polite man you will ever meet.

Jack graduated from Mynderse Academy in Seneca Falls in 1948, Cornell University (BA) in 1952 and University of Michigan (MBA) 1954.

He met the love of his life, Carole Hazen, while he was lifeguarding at Treman State Park, Mom and her Mother were there swimming, Grandma spotted a young, handsome, lifeguard … They were married in June of 1954. Making Ithaca their forever home.

In 1958 he sat for, and passed, the CPA test and became an employee with T.G. Maxfield’s CPA firm.  He became a partner and the firm was re-named to Maxfield, Randolph and Carpenter.  He sold his firm to Sciarabba Walker & Co., LLP and continued to work for them until his retirement.

Jack moved to Bridges Cornell Heights in May, after a fall that broke his hip.  Throughout his short time there, the staff of both Bridges and Hospicare of Ithaca, provided wonderful loving care for him and were kind and extremely supportive to Cathy.  Cathy also extends her sincere gratitude to the loving and caring staff at Brookdale Clare Bridge and the Garden Level and Fourth floor Aide’s at Longview. His passions were Jesus Christ and Bethel Grove Bible Church, where he served as their treasurer, a deacon and a trustee. He sang in the church choir and was a member of their brass ensemble playing his baritone at both church and with the Ithaca Concert Band.  He loved to read – anything … and of course Cornell Wrestling.  He treasured his wrestling family, getting to personally know the coaches, team members and the many parents over the years.

Organizations Jack was involved with – He was a 50+ year member of the Ithaca Rotary Club, a member of City Club and the Jaycees (instrumental of the lighting of the Ithaca Falls).  He was the Cornell Class of ’52, treasurer from 2004 to 2016, a member of the Cornell Alumni Association of Ithaca Area 2004-2010 and on Class Council from 2012-2017.  Tompkins County Board of Health, Tompkins County Memorial Hospital Corporation Board of Trustees (chairman), Tompkins County Public Library Trustee (chairman), Junior Achievement of Tompkins County (treasurer), TC3 Advisory Board, Ithaca Toastmasters, City of Ithaca Board of Public Works, Estate Planning Council of Tompkins County,  United Way (chairman of Business Division), Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce (treasure), Tompkins County Republican Committee (treasurer), National Society of Accountants for Cooperatives (president of Northeast chapter), President of Ithaca-Cortland Chapter of IMA (Institute for Management Accountants) formerly NAA (National Association of Accounts) which he was a founding member, Binghamton Chapter of NYS Society of CPAs (president), NYSSCPA Board of Directors and Executive Committee.

He is survived by his daughter Cathy Pace, sisters, June (Robert) Ploss of Trumansburg and Marty (David) Bush of Salisbury, Md. and his brother-in-law, Dr. Douglas Hazen of Gurnee, IL.  Along with many nieces and nephews, and all that lovingly referred to him as ‘Grandpa Jack’!

In addition to his parents and his In-laws, Russell and Catherine Hazen, Jack was preceded by his wife, Carole in 2000, his brothers and sisters-in-law James (Vera) and Fred (Jewell), and nephew, Steven Bush.

Friends may call on Friday, August 16, 2019 from 4-6 pm at Bangs Funeral Home, 209 W Green St., Ithaca, NY  14850.  A celebration of life will be held on August 17th at 11:00 am at Bethel Grove Bible Church, 1763 Slaterville Rd., Ithaca, NY.  Donations in Jack’s memory, may be made to: Cornell Wrestling, 160 Campus Rd., Ithaca, NY  14853 or to HOSPICE at 172 East King Road, Ithaca, NY 14850.

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Friday, August 16, 2019 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Bangs Funeral Home, Inc. 209 W Green St. Ithaca, New York 14850

Saturday, August 17, 2019 11:00 AM

Bethel Grove Bible Church 1763Slaterville Rd. Ithaca, NY 14850