Celebrating a Beloved History Teacher

Share your memory to the online obituary to be included inside this special keepsake book. In Loving Memory Of June 3, 1945 - July 27, 2025 Look inside to see what others have shared Please share a memory of John to include in a keepsake book for family and friends. John E. Carpenter, 80, a schoolteacher at La Salle Academy for more than half a century, passed away on Sunday, July 27, 2025, in Providence. "Now he belongs to the ages." That quote is attributed to a witness of President Abraham Lincoln's death in 1865, days after the end of the Civil War. John was always fascinated with that war. Growing up in Rehoboth, John's brother says he used to divide the peas on his dinner plate into Union and Confederate soldiers. (He'd eat the Confederates first) Family vacations often included stops at Civil War battle sites. And consider this: John lived for 80 years, one month and 24 days. The Civil War ended exactly 80 years, one month and 24 days before John was born. That love of the Civil War led to John studying history at Providence College, and then to La Salle Academy, where he was initially hired as an English teacher. He soon moved to the Social Studies department and specialized in American History courses. He often spoke proudly of the thousands who gained success after passing through his classroom, including a future Governor of Rhode Island, a United States Senator, and dozens of others elected to public office. John loved teaching at La Salle and never considered working in a public school. He said La Salle reflected the Catholic values and beliefs he felt personally. John's students fondly remember the passion, kindness and guidance that "Mr. Carpenter" provided over his 51 years there. John's kindness and generosity extended beyond the classroom. He volunteered countless hours at his church, and donated to numerous charitable causes. John also loved the Boston Red Sox and suffered as a fan from the days of Ted Williams and Carl Yastrzemski, until the David Ortiz era, and the long-awaited championships. He was also a fan of the Patriots, Bruins and the PC Friars basketball team. When he wasn't watching sports, John enjoyed relaxing by his stereo, listening to classic rock. In his later years, he almost always had a book in his hands and must have read hundreds. John's greatest love was, of course, his family. He is surely overjoyed to be reunited with his late wife and son in heaven, along with his parents, and the friends and other relatives who arrived there before him. John was born in Mineola, New York, and lived in Rehoboth and Swansea, Massachusetts before moving to Providence for good in the early 1960s. He was the husband of the late Elizabeth "Betty" Carpenter (Macaruso), and the father of the late John B. Carpenter. He was the son of the late Benjamin and Lucia (Violette) Carpenter. John is survived by his son Daniel Carpenter, and his wife Kerri, of North Providence; his daughter, Sherry Carpenter of Providence; his daughter-in-law, Kristen (Dinan) Carpenter of Goffstown, New Hampshire; and his brother, Jerry Carpenter and his wife Shirley of Herndon, Virginia. John also leaves 4 beloved grandsons. "Grandpa" loved spending time with Dante and Christopher, playing board games, taking them on vacations and watching both play Little League. Later, he was able to cherish playing with his younger grandsons, Cameron and Liam. His funeral will be from the A.A. Mariani & Son Funeral Home, 200 Hawkins Street, Providence at 9:00 am Monday August 4th, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am at La Salle Academy Chapel, Providence. Burial will follow in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. Visiting hours are Sunday, August 3rd, 3:00pm - 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to La Salle Academy, 612 Academy Avenue, Providence, RI 02908. Events Visitation Sunday, August 3, 2025 3:00PM - 7:00PM A.A. Mariani & Son Funeral Home 200 Hawkins Street Providence, RI 02904 Mass of Christian Burial Monday, August 4, 2025 Mass of Christian Burial Monday, August 4, 2025 10:00AM - 11:00AM La Salle Academy 612 Academy Avenue Providence, RI 02908 Online Memory & Photo Sharing Event Ongoing Family and friends are coming together online to create a special keepsake. Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in this book. Tribute Video in loving memory of John E. Carpenter Jerry Carpenter August 19 In Loving Memory Of June 3, 1945 - July 27, 2025 A Tribute Book for John was purchased. Send a copy to additional family members or purchase one for yourself. Order Book Best History Teacher Ever!!Rest in Peace Mr. CarpenterChris Lautieri, Class of 92 Chris Lautieri August 17 I'm so sorry Dan and family. Thinking of you all in this difficult time. You all provided tremendous joy to him...may you find peace and comfort with the wonderful memories you shared. T.J. Del Santo August 4 To the Family of John Carpenter, I’m very sorry for your loss. John was my English teacher in 69-70 and I can still recall the books we read that year. He was an outstanding teacher. I met him several times over the years and we always shared a great conversation. He will... Continue Reading Chris Petit August 2 Sorry to hear about his passing. Had the pleasure of knowing him and it was my good fortune to have him as a teacher at LaSalle. Michael Toppazzini class of 78 August 2 +86 A.A. Mariani & Son Funeral Home August 2 It was a privilege to work as John’s colleague at LaSalle from 1995 to 2003. He was a talented teacher who was loved and respected be his students and colleagues I regret that I will not be able to attend his funeral services as I will be out of town. Rest in God’s lovi... Continue Reading August 1 A Japanese proverb reads, "Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher." John Carpenter was one of those great teachers, who shared many a great day with his students. The irony for great teachers is that they can never truly learn the ma... Reading #J-18808-Ljbffr Marianiandson