Classmates,
It is with a heavy heart that I notify you of the passing of another classmate, Shipmate and friend, John “Jack” Carpenter (29th Company). He succumbed on Thursday morning, April 4th, after a lengthy battle with cancer. Jack was able to able to attend our 40th reunion and had moved back to Annapolis in his final months which enabled him to be cared for and visited by his family, companymates, classmates and friends. It was with their love he was surrounded at his final moment.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 17th at 1100 at the Naval Academy Chapel. Our own Alan “Blues” Baker will officiate. The service will be followed by inurnment at the Naval Academy Columbarium. There will be a gathering at the Naval Academy Club [“O’Club”] after the inurnment. I hope you can attend.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Jack’s honor to either Hospice of Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena MD 21122 or the USNA Foundation (for the Class of ’78 Reunion Gift). The Foundation address is 247 King George Street, Annapolis, MD 21402.
Please remember Jack and his family in your thoughts and prayers. If you would like to reach out to them, drop me a line and I will connect you with his sister, Pilar, daughter, Elizabeth and son, John.
I know Jack has joined our classmates in heaven as part of the advance party and reunion committee for our final gathering.
Launchin’ Spot Four with the Sky Pilot aboard.
Semper Fidelis