Thomas L. Carpenter

Thomas “Tommy” Lamont Carpenter

Thomas “Tommy” Carpenter (45), lifelong resident of Trumansburg, NY passed away peacefully on February 21, 2017 with family by his side when God couldn’t wait any longer to invite him to run toward Heaven’s gates on the day before his 46th birthday.

Tommy was predeceased by all grandparents, his Uncle Bernard “Bernie” and Aunt Sally Carpenter, Uncle Jack Walden, Aunt Phyllis Carpenter, and cousin Joanne Durling. Survived by his loving parents, Stanley “Lamont” and Carol Carpenter (Walden) of Trumansburg, NY; sisters, Lisa Carpenter of Bel Air MD; Susan “Sue” (Dan) Sheerer (Carpenter) of Trumansburg NY, Elizabeth “Liz” (Paul) Carpenter of Syracuse NY, his adoring nieces/nephews Emily, Dean and Abbie, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Tommy barely let his parents park the car before quickly entering the world on February 22, 1971, and his rambunctious "All Boy" personality was one-of-a-kind. As a child, Tommy much enjoyed entertaining anyone who would let him; often impersonating Elvis in the aisle of the school bus or throwing his empty dresser as the “Incredible Hulk”, and many other star-studded performances. Tommy enjoyed virtually all outdoor activities, and was especially fond of camping, hunting, fishing, baseball, running beagles and bowhunting. In fact, with many hours of practice with his trusty Indian Archery 25 LB recurve bow, he became quite a skilled archer for short distance shots. On many occasions, Tommy and his thirteen-year-old beagle Suzy, ventured into our neighbor’s Christmas tree planation, for some serious rabbit hunting. He always came home with an empty game pouch, but with plenty of amusing stories of bunnies that managed to elude him.

Tommy was involved in a tragic bike/truck accident that left him with severe head injuries when he was seven years old. Thanks to the grace of God, the never-ending love and support from his parents, doctors, nurses and wonderful caregivers, Tommy overcame numerous obstacles to continue gracing this world with his one-of-a-kind charm and gentle loving personality. His injuries never limited him from enjoying theme parks; museums, camping trips, shopping and stories from his beloved caregivers whom he skillfully communicated with. Tommy grew into a quiet and handsome man with eyes that sparkled for beautiful blondes and a resilience for life. A long-time member of the St. James the Apostle Catholic Church in Trumansburg, the Cayuga Lake Beagle Club in Danby NY, and a frequent patron of the Falls Restaurant in Trumansburg, who treated him like family, Tommy captured the hearts of so many.

The family will receive friends and family from 5 – 7 PM on Thursday March 2 at Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South Street, Trumansburg NY. A funeral service will be officiated by Father John Tokaz (Boston MA) held at St. James the Apostle Catholic Church, 17 Whig St. Trumansburg NY on Friday March 3 at 11:00 AM. A luncheon will be held at the church immediately following interment at the Catholic cemetery in Trumansburg. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Franziska Racker Center, 3226 Wilkins Rd. Ithaca NY 14850 or having lunch at the Falls Restaurant and tell them "Tommy sent you".