John E. Carpenter ’48

John Elliott Carpenter of New Hope passed away peacefully at his home with his wife and children by his side on Saturday, May 26, 2018. He was 84. John was the loving husband of Carol Walz Carpenter with whom he had shared 61 years of marriage.

Born in Evanston, IL he was the son of the late Harry and Anne Elliott Carpenter. John graduated from Deerfield Academy and Yale University. His first employer of consequence was the J C Penney Company. Starting as a Buyer Trainee, he rose rapidly through the buying ranks to become the youngest Divisional Merchandise Manager in the corporation. His grasp of the marketing process was unequaled, and many programs that married merchandise and marketing were launched under his leadership. He also had a “no nonsense” approach to doing business that made working with and for him easy and clear. He left J C Penney in his mid 40s to become a Senior Vice President at Burlington Industries, and closed out his professional career with executive positions at Phillips-Van Heusen and Garan Industries.

For many years after his retirement John found great joy as Treasurer at Thompson Memorial Presbyterian Church. In addition to his wife, John is survived by his children, Betsy Carpenter Morris of Doylestown and Rob Carpenter (Julie) of Oak Park, IL. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Rob, Scott, Charlie, and Harry. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Anne Lawrence.  

 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to Thompson Memorial Presbyterian Church at the above address.

CHARITIES

Thompson Memorial Presbyterian Church

1680 Aquetong Road

New Hope, PA

www.TMPC.org