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1938
Richard
2025
Richard Lee Carpenter
February 13, 1938 — August 10, 2025
Annapolis
Richard (Dick) Lee Carpenter, 87, of Annapolis, Maryland, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2025, surrounded by compassionate care at Somerford Place in Frederick. Born in Watertown, New York, on February 13, 1938, Dick was the son of Lawrence and Edith Carpenter.
Dick was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Katherine (Kathy) Landis Carpenter, his brother Dave Carpenter, and sister-in-law Judy Carpenter. He is survived by his daughter, Valerie Helsel (with former wife Pat) of Ridgely, MD, and three grandsons: Justin Deal, Jason Deal, and Dallas Helsel. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Judith Landis of Parkton, MD, and his nieces, Lori Landis of Frederick, MD, and Claire Landis (Hans Leiterman) of Chicago, IL.
Dick attended high school in Watertown, NY, and went on to graduate from Clarkson College in Potsdam, NY, with a degree in engineering. During his time at Clarkson, he was a proud member of the Alpha Chi Rho fraternity, where he forged friendships that endured throughout his life.
His career brought him to Maryland, where he lived in Bowie and later Annapolis, working as an engineer for Westinghouse and later Northrop Grumman. In 1989, Dick married Kathy, with whom he shared a love of travel. Together, they explored destinations across the United States and around the world, often joining his fraternity brothers and their wives for annual adventures.
Music was at the heart of Dick’s life. He loved to sing and was an enthusiastic member of numerous barbershop quartets and choral groups. His joyful spirit was evident in his habit of breaking into song to brighten the day of those around him. Dick and Kathy’s shared passion for music extended to their volunteer work, where they devoted time and energy to supporting organizations such as the Friends of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra and the South County Concert Association, where Dick served as a board member. He was also a lifelong member of the Barbershop Harmony Society (Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America, Inc.).
The family will hold a private celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Dick’s honor may be sent to:
Barbershop Harmony Society
110 Seventh Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37203
South County Concert Association
P.O. Box 141
Harwood, MD 20776
Dick was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Katherine (Kathy) Landis Carpenter, his brother Dave Carpenter, and sister-in-law Judy Carpenter. He is survived by his daughter, Valerie Helsel (with former wife Pat) of Ridgely, MD, and three grandsons: Justin Deal, Jason Deal, and Dallas Helsel. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Judith Landis of Parkton, MD, and his nieces, Lori Landis of Frederick, MD, and Claire Landis (Hans Leiterman) of Chicago, IL.
Dick attended high school in Watertown, NY, and went on to graduate from Clarkson College in Potsdam, NY, with a degree in engineering. During his time at Clarkson, he was a proud member of the Alpha Chi Rho fraternity, where he forged friendships that endured throughout his life.
His career brought him to Maryland, where he lived in Bowie and later Annapolis, working as an engineer for Westinghouse and later Northrop Grumman. In 1989, Dick married Kathy, with whom he shared a love of travel. Together, they explored destinations across the United States and around the world, often joining his fraternity brothers and their wives for annual adventures.
Music was at the heart of Dick’s life. He loved to sing and was an enthusiastic member of numerous barbershop quartets and choral groups. His joyful spirit was evident in his habit of breaking into song to brighten the day of those around him. Dick and Kathy’s shared passion for music extended to their volunteer work, where they devoted time and energy to supporting organizations such as the Friends of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra and the South County Concert Association, where Dick served as a board member. He was also a lifelong member of the Barbershop Harmony Society (Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America, Inc.).
The family will hold a private celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Dick’s honor may be sent to:
Barbershop Harmony Society
110 Seventh Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37203
South County Concert Association
P.O. Box 141
Harwood, MD 20776
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