William G. “Bill” Carpenter, beloved husband, father, grandfather, veteran, and community leader, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 25, 2025. He was 79 years old.
Born in Lebanon, PA, on Jan. 28, 1946, to Arthur and Kathryn (Emerich) Carpenter, Bill graduated from Cornwall High School in 1964. He answered the call to serve his country when he was drafted into the U.S. Army in March 1966. Bill served honorably until March 1968, including active duty in Vietnam, where he was wounded in action on Jan. 20, 1967. He was awarded the Purple Heart and Silver Star for his bravery and sacrifice.
Bill’s life was defined by his unwavering commitment to community and service. After his military service, he worked with Cornwall Mines and later held positions at Paul’s Sporting Goods, the Lebanon Daily News, and the Good Samaritan Hospital, where he served as Vice President of Community Service & Development until his retirement in 2009.
A passionate and tireless public servant, Bill served on the Cornwall Borough Council for 16 years, including 12 as President, and was a Lebanon County Commissioner for 24 years. He also served for over three decades as a Commissioner for CQM, making a lasting impact on local youth athletics and governance.
Bill’s legacy of giving included work with the Big Brothers of Lebanon Program, United Way Board, Community of Lebanon Association, and Easter Seals. He was a proud supporter and chairperson for Daffodil Days with the American Cancer Society, and he successfully led fund drives for three fire trucks — one in Cornwall and two in Lebanon.
Recognized for his dedication, Bill received numerous accolades, including the Cedar Crest Falcon Advocate Award, Mount Gretna Rotary Man of the Year, Hershey-Palmyra Sertoma Service to Mankind Award, and induction into both the Central Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame and Lebanon Valley Sports Hall of Fame. He was also a proud member of the Lebanon County Republican Committee.
Bill carried the torch in the 2002 Winter Olympics and was honored by his community with the dedication of William G. Carpenter Park and Baseball Field in Goosetown, Cornwall, and a section of Route 72 in his name.
He had a zest for life, completing two marathons, and relished time spent golfing, fishing, playing cards, and vacationing with family at Deep Creek Lake. He cherished trips to the Final Four, World Series, and The Masters, and was a devoted fan of the Phillies, Eagles, Penn State Football, Hershey Bears, and local high school sports. A collector of sports memorabilia, flag ties, and all things patriotic, Bill was never without a symbol of the United States or the American flag nearby.
Above all, Bill was a family man. He was a loving and devoted husband to Denyse (Smith), his wife of 57 years, a proud father to Kelli (wife of Rick Dissinger), and a doting grandfather to Evan Knight and Emma Karly, whom he supported and spoiled with all his heart.
He is survived by his wife, daughter, grandchildren, and four sisters, Elizabeth Gainer, Joyce Fortna, Fern Marley, and Bonnie Swanger, along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents and 13 siblings: brothers, Arthur, Donald, Sterling, Carl, Howard, Robert, and Herman, and sisters, Doris Tribioli, Shirley Seachrist, Janet Lightner, Linda Gass, Joan Carpenter, and Dawn Carpenter.
Visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m., followed by a service at 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Cornwall United Methodist Church, 50 Freeman Dr., Lebanon, PA 17042. Interment with full military honors will be held at the convenience of the family at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory may be made to a youth or veterans’ organization of your choosing, honoring the spirit of service he embodied throughout his life. Thompson Funeral Home, Inc. is entrusted with the arrangements.
Please share your memories with the family at Thompson Funeral Home’s online guest book at thompsonfuneralhomelebanon.com.
