Christopher J. Carpenter

Christopher “Chris” James Carpenter, 52, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2023, after enduring glioblastoma for 27 months. Chris was a man of great virtue, intellect, and joy. He was a loving husband, proud father, caring son, tender brother, fair opponent, and remarkable friend.

Chris was born in Long Island, New York to Rosemary (Short) and Joseph Carpenter on May 1, 1970. The family moved to Fort Myers, Florida in 1980. After graduating from North Fort Myers High School in 1989, Chris enlisted in the Army and proudly served his country for five years. A Chinook pneudraulics specialist, he was deployed to Saudi Arabia during the Persian Gulf War and Somalia during Operation Restore Hope.

Chris received several medals and commendation for his service and was honorably discharged from the Army in 1994. He returned to Fort Myers where he began an 18-year career with Florida Power & Light. He married Kristen Sullivan and became father to her son Tyler. In 1996 his first son Alexander Fox was born, followed by son Luke Benjamin in 2002. In 2011, Chris found true love with Mollie Page and moved to Naples to be with her and her daughter Maxine. In 2014 he began work as a Materials Coordinator at Physicians Regional Medical Center. Luke came to live with them in 2017, and in 2020, with all three children present, Chris and Mollie committed their hearts in marriage.

Chris had a voracious appetite for knowledge and mastered communication at an early age. He would amuse his parents by reading the newspaper at age three, won school writing contests and penned letters to American schoolchildren who wrote to Gulf War soldiers. He had a beautiful euphonious voice that rose above others and had natural talent as a comic sketch artist and Warhammer figurine painter. Chris enjoyed all genre of books and music. His preferred sci-fi novels and fantasy game rulebooks, but also read non-fiction history, biographies, and military strategy. He purchased more books and music than he could consume; but he tried, finishing at least two books every week and amassing an enviable library. He was famously known for his “mix tapes.”

A life-long Dungeons & Dragons fan, Chris joined the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) while stationed in Germany, and continued to participate in live-action role playing until his illness prevented it. He was a life-long defender of “old-school” strategy board games and hosted games at his home or traveled to tournaments. For Chris, winning was secondary to helping others find delight in play and competition. He had a giving spirit and was extraordinarily genuine and funny. His greatest joy was connecting with others through his hobbies, especially with his children, whom he adored.

Chris is survived by his wife Mollie Page; mother, Rosemary; sisters Tammy and Nancy; and sons, Alex and Luke. He was preceded in death by his father. For those who were blessed to know Chris (aka the Hamster), your life is better because of him.

In lieu of a funeral, the family is asking that you join them in making a financial contribution in Chris’ name to Avow Hospice in Naples, Florida.