Robert E Carpenter Sr.

Robert E. Carpenter Sr. (Bob) was born on December 20,1928, in Washington, D.C., to the late Pauline (Hurley) Carpenter and William Raymond Carpenter (Ray). He died peacefully at Brightview Senior Living in Great Falls, Va., on April 22, 2023. Bob was one of three children of Pauline and Ray. His younger sister, Elaine Quasebarth (d. 2021), and her husband Werner (d. 2018) remained close all of their lives. His older brother, William Raymond Carpenter Jr. (d. 1945), a casualty of World War II, remained an inspiration throughout Bob’s life.

After attending St. John’s College High School in Washington, Bob completed his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at Carnegie Tech in Pittsburgh, now known as Carnegie Mellon University. He met his future wife, Jean Miller, there while they both were attending the university. Incredibly honest and dedicated to hard work, Bob started his engineering career at the Firestone Tire Manufacturing Plant in Akron, Ohio, working the night shift overseeing the repair and maintenance of the plant’s equipment.

Bob moved back to Pittsburgh to be closer to Jean, then his fiancée, taking a job as a consulting engineer, designing mechanical systems for buildings. After their marriage in Pittsburgh and the birth of their first child, Bob’s career took him back to his hometown in the late 1950s, where he quickly became a partner at the Washington firm of Weller and Scott Consulting Engineers. After closing his partnership, Bob began to miss the design work. He finished his career as lead engineer of Kvell Corcoran Associates, where he enjoyed mentoring young professionals.

Bob’s career spanned nearly 60 years, doing engineering work that he truly enjoyed. He was also sought after for his attention to detail and leadership qualities. Using his diverse talents, he expanded his career during his 40s, joining the board of directors for several banks in Northern Virginia and for Atlas Machine and Iron Works. He took pride in mentoring people as they navigated their careers, leading by his example of individual responsibility. He was never afraid to tell people what needed to be said, if he thought it would help foster success in a common goal. Recognizing he came from a blue-collar background, he taught by example that all people deserve consideration and respect.

Bob was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Jean Miller Carpenter, in July 2016. They enjoyed many happy years together spending time with relatives and friends and visiting homes in the Northern Virginia area. They both had an interest in contemporary design and spent time driving through the neighborhoods after church looking at houses. He was the devoted patriarch of the Carpenter family; the father of three sons, Robert Jr. (Maureen), William (Debbie), and Scott (Kris); and grandfather to 10 loving grandchildren and nine beloved great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind two nieces, three nephews and many lifelong friends.

After his wife passed away, Bob lived at his home in McLean, Va., until he moved into the Brightview community in Great Falls, where he received excellent care and made new friends, thriving for his last four years. He will be missed but always will remain in our hearts!

Visitation will be Monday, May 1, 4 p.m. to 7 .p.m, at Murphy Funeral Home, 1102 West Broad St., Falls Church, Va. 22046. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, May 2, at 11 a.m. at St. John the Beloved Roman Catholic Church, 6420 Linway Terrace, McLean, Va. 22101, with interment next to his wife, Jean, at National Memorial Park, 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, Va. 22042. A celebration of life will follow the services.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation of your talent, time, or money to a charity that helps people in need of mentoring or education to make a positive difference in the community in which they live.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.murphy-fh.com for the Carpenter family.