Monson-Robert W. Carpenter, 91, died Monday, January 6, 2014. Born in Springfield to the late Charles Walter and Lilla A. (Bradway) Carpenter he was raised on the family farm in Monson. He graduated from both Monson High School and Monson Academy. Bob served in the Army during WWII. He then continued his education at the New York State College of Forestry at Syracuse University and graduated in 1954. He began his career with the National Park Service in 1954. He was a Park Naturalist in Yosemite National Park, Everglades National Park and Haleakala National Park, Hawaii, as well as other National Parks. He retired in 1973. Bob served on the Monson Conservation Commission, Keep Homestead Museum Board of Directors, where he was also the Naturalist and tour coordinator, he was Director Emeritus for the Monson Historical Society, and a member of the First Church of Monson.
Mr. Carpenter leaves his wife of over 40 years, Bettyle (Youd) Carpenter; two brothers Harold Carpenter and his wife Lillian of Monson and Charles "Ken" Carpenter of Monson; nephews Ken Carpenter of Florida, Tony Carpenter of Monson, Robin Carpenter and his wife Bonnie of Monson; nieces Pamela Carpenter of Palmer, Carol Carpenter and her husband David Chamberlain of Monson and Lisa Adams and her husband Charles of Monson and 9 great nephews and nieces.
A memorial service will be held Saturday January 18, 2014 at 11am in the First Church of Monson, 5 High St. Monson. There are no visiting hours. Lombard Funeral Home of Monson has been entrusted with the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the Keep Homestead Museum Ely Road Monson, MA 01057.