John A. Carpenter

Attorney John A. Carpenter, of Nottingham Village, Northumberland, was called home to the Lord February 17, 2021. Born May 9,1933 to the late Alvin W. And Katharine (Rockefeller) Carpenter, he was 87 years old. 

John was a devoted Christian and considered his life his ministry.  His faith was a foundation of his devotion and service to family, community, his profession and numerous organizations throughout his long life.

He graduated Sunbury High School in 1951, where he quarterbacked for the Sunbury Owls football team.

John met the love of his life and wife of 63 years who survives him, Jane (Curran) Carpenter, in Spanish class while attending his beloved Penn State University. Named Mr. Penn State, he was also president of his fraternity, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and a member of the Lion’s Paw. He remained an enthusiastic and active Penn Stater his whole life.

Military service interrupted his law school years at the University of Pennsylvania. Upon graduation, he first practiced at the Philadelphia law firm of Morgan, Lewis & Bokius then returned to Sunbury in 1959, as 4th generation attorney, joining his father in the family firm. 

He was an active trial attorney and practiced all types and phases of the law, retiring in 2012. 

Service was a core value for Mr. Carpenter. 

Over his 53-year law career he loved giving his expertise and time to numerous professional and community organizations.

Highlights include terms as president of the Northumberland County Bar Association, president of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, Solicitor and advisor to Susquehanna University, Vice Chairman of High Mark Blue Shield & Blue Cross of Pennsylvania, and Chairman of the Board of Sunbury Community Hospital.

He was a member of the Christian Legal Society, the American Bar Association, Sunbury Area YMCA, the American Red Cross, Northumberland County Cancer Society, Susquehanna Valley Boy Scouts of America and the Sunbury Rotary Club.

He was a passionate Christian and served in leadership for the Sunbury Central Pennsylvania Youth for Christ, Teen Challenge Institute, Churches Alive and the Sunbury Bible Church.

John Carpenter was a loving and faithful husband, brother, father and grandfather. Faith and family were the centerpieces of his life.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his three children; one son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Jeffrey P. and Dr. Judith T. Carpenter, two daughters and sons-in-law, Elizabeth Carpenter and husband, Christopher Gallego, Susan and Thomas Hunter, seven grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, one brother, Peter R. Carpenter and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his career-long aide, colleague and family friend Marianne Weaver who joined the family law firm before John even graduated law school, hired by his father, Alvin. She retired with John in 2012.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by one brother, Derr A. Carpenter.

The family thanks you for your thoughtfulness and requests you donate to your favorite charity in lieu of sending flowers.

John’s family will be planning a private funeral service. Interment will be in Pomfret Manor Cemetery, Sunbury.

Arrangements are by the Zweier Funeral Home, 157 Chestnut Street, Sunbury.

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