FRANKLIN: Donald Carpentier

Donald Carpentier, of Franklin, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at his home on August 23, surrounded by his loving family, just days after celebrating his 88th birthday on August 18. He was the beloved husband of Jacqueline Cote Carpentier, with whom he shared a devoted marriage that began on November 24, 1960. Born in Swansea, Massachusetts, Donald was the son of the late Oscar Carpentier and Alice Paquette Carpentier. He was predeceased by his brother, Nelson Carpentier.

Donald is survived by his wife Jacqueline; children, Elaine and Brian Carpentier; his brothers, Gerald and Russell Carpentier and his sister Muriel Rego; his godchildren, Annette Lahaye, Larry Carpentier and Lisa Medvec; and many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Among those friends were many from the St. Mary’s Church community and the wider Franklin community, both of which held a special place in his heart.

Donald was born and raised in Swansea, where he attended St. Louis de France School. He grew up on a working dairy farm, laboring alongside his siblings and extended family, and the lessons of hard work, perseverance, and care for the land stayed with him throughout his life. He also served as a volunteer firefighter in Somerset, Massachusetts. He later served on active duty in the United States Army at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, after being called up during the Korean conflict.

A devoted and loving husband, father, brother, and friend, Donald lived a life grounded in faith, family, and service. He worked for General Motors for 30 years before beginning a new chapter as the owner of God and Maintenance Cleaning, a cleaning and property maintenance business he started with his dear friend and business partner of 40 years, Roland Robitaille. Together, they operated the business for more than 25 years.

Donald was a devout Catholic and a man of deep and abiding faith. He was an active member of St. Mary’s Church in Franklin and was proud to be a Fourth Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus. Alongside his wife, Jacqueline, Reverend Joseph Cane, and dear friends, he helped start and lead the Our Lady of Hope prayer group for 50 years. His television was often tuned to EWTN, and his days reflected the rhythm of his faith: opening St. Mary’s Church in the morning, sitting in prayer with friends, attending daily Mass, and serving the parish as an usher and Eucharistic minister. He was deeply thankful for the priests at St. Mary’s Parish, whose wisdom, support, and fellowship enriched his life and strengthened his faith.

Beyond the church, Donald found joy in simple and meaningful things: time with family, tending his home and yard, caring for his large vegetable garden, and taking long sightseeing rides on his scooter. He traveled the back roads of Franklin and nearby towns, stopping often to talk with people and make new friends along the way. He also treasured spirited conversation with his coffee crew at McDonald’s after morning Mass. Often, when Donald tried to tell a funny story, he would begin to laugh so hard that he could not continue, bringing joy to everyone around him.

He loved a good meal, whether it was his wife’s delicious cooking, his favorite chicken fingers from Lee’s Kitchen, or birthday and anniversary dinners at the Ninety-Nine. When he was not out and about in his car or on his scooter, he could often be seen napping under the trees in his backyard swing or riding his tractor with his cowboy hat pushed back on his head. On Sundays, he always dressed in a nice suit for church, accompanied by one of his many pairs of cowboy boots.

Over the years, Donald and Jacqueline, together with their children, enjoyed Sundays spent attending church, visiting family, going to the beach, exploring historic sites around Plymouth, and vacationing around New England. He often spoke with gratitude of his many adventures, including trips to Quebec with his wife and a pilgrimage with his son Brian to the Vatican and the Holy Land, where they retraced the steps of Christ’s Passion. In his seventies, he spent a month visiting shrines and holy sites across Europe, a journey that reflected the faith that guided his life.

Donald will be remembered for his steady faith, generous spirit, warm conversations, and the devotion with which he cared for his family, his church, his friends, and his community. His life was one of prayer, service, hard work, and love, and he leaves behind a legacy that will continue to live on in all who knew him.

Calling hours will be 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Friday August 28th, at Ginley Funeral Home(ginleyfuneralhomes.com) 131 Main Street in Franklin Massachusetts

The funeral mass will be celebrated at 12:30 on Saturday, August 29th at St Mary's Church in Franklin Massachusetts, followed by burial at St Mary's Cemetery. To view the Mass livestream: stmarysfranklin.org

Memorial donations may be made to the St Vincent de Paul Society care of St Mary's Church in Franklin Massachusetts or Medway House smoc.org