David Joel Carpenter

David Joel Carpenter passed away at the age of 85 in his home with his loving family surrounding him on Tuesday, October 6, 2020. David was born in Cleveland, Ohio on January 7, 1935 to Joel and Edith Carpenter, pre-deceased. He grew up in Shaker Heights and graduated from Shaker Heights High School in 1953 and then attended Lehigh University where he graduated in 1957. David is survived by his loving wife and partner, Nancy Schroeder, to whom he was married for 62 years and their three children (and spouses) Deborah (Matt) Eaton, Sara (John) Burrows and John (Alison) Carpenter. He is survived by six grandchildren, Mark Eaton, Alison and Jay Burrows, and Ellen, Elizabeth and Erica Carpenter, whom he loved and adored. He is also survived by his cousin Sari (Bruce) Butler as well as his nephew Robert (Buzz), and nieces Barbara (Patton), Kathy (Brown) and Martha (Clizbe) Scher. David is predeceased by his Aunt Betty Saxon and his brother and sister in law, Robert and Betsy (Schroeder) Scher. David worked at Solon Manufacturing Company in Chardon, Ohio for fifty years where he was a mechanical engineer and became CEO and President, retiring in 2005. He loved working with the company’s many employees over the years, and his devoted work contributed to the company’s growth and success. From an early age, David exhibited a unique and remarkable interest in, and passion for railroads and railway systems that lasted throughout his lifetime. He amassed an extensive Lionel Train collection, and for over twenty years enthusiastically volunteered at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum where he conducted and operated historic streetcars and trolleys. Most notably, David designed and handcrafted to completion, a rideable live steam locomotive which was his lifelong dream and most fulfilling accomplishment. The locomotive and its caboose and boxcar have been donated to the Chagrin Falls Historical Society. It will be there on permanent display, and occasionally displayed at the Solon Historical Society. David loved music and was a contributing donor and season ticket holder to the Cleveland Orchestra to which he and Nancy joyfully attended. He also loved to listen to weekend Operas on WCLV while building his steam engine in the basement machine shop of his home. David was a civic leader over his lifetime and was elected to the South Russell Village Council for 17 years. He also volunteered his time to the Business Advisors of Cleveland to help young entrepreneurs start their own businesses. David attended and was a member of the United Church of Christ Federated Church in Chagrin Falls for over 50 years. In his pastime, David enjoyed vacationing at Big Moose Lake, New York (located in the Adirondack Mountains) from his youth through his retirement. At Big Moose, he loved spending time with his family and grandchildren relaxing, sailing, waterskiing, hiking, and creating fond memories we will cherish for years to come. He also enjoyed and found great pleasure in sailboat racing with his brother-in-law at Lake Pymatuning during many summers. David was also a proficient storyteller to his six grandchildren and entertained them for hours about the adventures of the Teeny Tiny Toads. David was kind, generous and dearly loved by his family and friends. A private, family only, burial service occurred on Monday, October 12 at Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Chagrin Falls, OH. A 2021 memorial service will be planned to celebrate David’s life. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Hospice of Western Reserve or the Chagrin Falls Historical Society are welcomed in his name. Arrangements by Stroud-Lawrence Funeral Home Chagrin Falls, Ohio.  www.stroudlawrence.com

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