Richard Carpenter, Jr

Richard “Dick” Shepard Carpenter Jr , age 70, passed away peacefully on May 16th, 2021 surrounded by his loving family at his home in West Chester, Ohio after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born February 27, 1951, to Richard and Mary Jane (Gliatti) Carpenter in Toledo, Ohio.
Richard was a graduate of St. Francis de Sales High School. He obtained his undergraduate degree at the University of Toledo and Ph.D. in Biochemistry at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

He retired from Procter and Gamble as a Research and Development Director after 30+ years. After retirement, his passion to contribute positively to the world led him to work for BiOWiSHish Technologies, Inc. as Chief Technology Officer. In every workplace he fostered many relationships with his colleagues, earning respect and honor locally and internationally for his contributions. While his work was important to him, he held his relationships with his colleagues close to his heart. He advocated for the concerns and growth of others because he believed that people and their ideas mattered.

Richard was a devoted amazing husband, extremely proud father, and grandfather. He lived for his family and enjoyed with them: traveling, golfing, card games, making s’mores, fishing, playing music, and always gladly answering their questions. He nurtured and protected his family and friends at every opportunity. He was endlessly curious and loved to learn and discover new ideas. With his knowledge, strength, and heart – he made the world feel safe and come alive. He inspired hope, vision, and purpose to all around him.

Music was his favorite hobby and pastime. He started playing guitar at age 13 and he and his friends played at family get-togethers, etc. This was the beginning of many bands that he was in during high school and college and even one or two in the last few years. From the initial bandmates in high school and college, lifelong friends through the years, or with his sons, playing music was one of his most favorite forms of expression and bonding. Jim, Pat, Rick, Joe, Harvey, Dave D… to name a few, and many others, were instrumental in creating these moments and memories that lasted his whole life.

He will always be remembered for the love of his family, the music he brought into the world, the warmth of his heart, his capacity for hope, and his endearing laugh and smile.

Richard is survived by his beloved family: his wife (of 49 years) Patricia “Patty” (O’Shea) Carpenter; his sons and their wives, Benjamin (Jennifer) Carpenter, Jeremy (Melissa) Carpenter and Cory (Jenna) Carpenter; his sister Corrine Sharrit and her husband Jeff; his brother-in-law Daniel O’Shea Jr.; his grandchildren, Katie, Anna, Ivy, Cole and Finn Carpenter; his nephews and niece, Daniel (Tara) O’Shea III; Justin (Desiree) O’Shea; Spencer (Gabrielle) Sharrit; Sara (Tony) Creasy; his large loving extended family, and many beloved friends, coworkers, and bandmates.
He is preceded in death by his parents Richard and Mary Jane (Gliatti) Carpenter; his father and mother-in-law Daniel O’Shea Sr. and Anne (Gadus) O’Shea; granddaughter, Betsy Carpenter and his sister-in-law Marge (Gregory) O’Shea.

Richard’s family held a private celebration of life ceremony following his passing. In his last months, Richard’s family was able to take time to celebrate him in deep and profound ways. He was humbled and honored by the outpouring of prayers, gifts, food, flowers, videos, cards, phone calls, visits (when he was feeling well enough), and support from family and friends. He wanted to make sure to express his overwhelming gratitude to everyone who reached out to share their words, love, and prayers. He appreciated the care and compassion of Father Jim Meade, the Hospice nurses and staff, and the TriHealth physicians. Their generous dedication and kindness helped him find peace and closure.

Please share a memory or picture of Richard with his family on the Mueller Funeral Home website ( www.muellerfunerals.com ) or spend a moment in prayer for his family and friends as they mourn his loss and hold his memory eternally in their hearts. Memorial contributions may be made to these organizations that were meaningful to Richard: Hospice of Cincinnati, St. John’s Church in West Chester, The Bethesda Foundation for Cancer Research/10500 Montgomery Road, or a local food bank.