Laurence "Larry" & Donna Carpenter

Laurence “Larry” Carpenter and Donna Carpenter, devoted husband and wife of more than 43 years, passed away just days apart after courageous battles with cancer. Their lives were deeply intertwined by love, faith, family, and an unwavering commitment to one another and to those they cherished.

Larry was born on March 11, 1959, and passed on January 9, 2026. A lifelong resident of Ronkonkoma, New York, Larry lived his entire life in the same home—a place filled with memories, laughter, and love. Donna was born on March 4, 1960, and passed on January 15, 2026. She grew up in Sayville, New York, and after marrying Larry on May 22, 1982, made her home with him in Ronkonkoma, where together they built a beautiful life.

Larry spent most of his career working in the automotive industry and in the family garden center business. Though he was a dedicated and hardworking professional, his most treasured role was being a dad and, above all, a Pop to his three beloved granddaughters. Larry loved baseball—especially the New York Yankees—history, and cars. He will be remembered for his quiet humor, playful joking, and his kind, forgiving, and steady nature. Above all, he was an exceptional father and grandfather, whose love and presence were felt deeply by his family.

Donna worked as a manager at the gymnastics facility where her daughter Tracy began her own journey in the sport, before continuing her career in the finance industry. Like Larry, Donna’s greatest joy came from her family, particularly in her role as a devoted mom and proud Grammie to her three granddaughters. Donna truly loved life itself. Her heart was immense, her smile radiant, and her generosity boundless. She would do anything for anyone and was known for her strength, positivity, and unwavering support of those around her.

Together, Larry and Donna shared a deep faith and a profound love for time spent with family and friends. Whether gathered under their gazebo sharing conversation, celebrating milestones, or simply showing up when it mattered most, they were constant, devoted, and always present. They were each other’s partners in every sense and the biggest cheerleaders for everyone blessed to know them.

Larry and Donna leave behind their loving daughter, Tracy, and son-in-law, John Klipfel, and their three cherished granddaughters, Kaylee, Zoe, and Emily, who were truly the lights of their lives. Donna is also survived by her beloved mother, Eileen Schutt; her sister Dawn and brother-in-law Dan Montalto; and her brothers Bob and sister-in-law Dee Schutt, and Sean and sister-in-law Eva. Larry is also survived by his brother Bob Carpenter; his aunt Joan Hackett; and his cousin Gary and his wife Patti Carpenter. Together, Larry and Donna leave behind a large and loving extended family of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many dear friends who will forever hold them close in their hearts.

They were preceded in death by Donna’s father, Robert Schutt; and by Larry’s parents, William and Rosemary Carpenter, and his brothers Kenneth, William, and Thomas Carpenter, who welcomed them home with open arms.

A combined celebration of Larry and Donna’s beautiful lives will take place on January 19, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Moloney’s Funeral Home in Ronkonkoma, New York. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in their memory to the Stony Brook University Cancer Center.

www.cancer.stonybrookmedicine.edu

Together in life, together in love, and now reunited in eternal peace, Larry and Donna Carpenter will forever be remembered for the love they shared and the family they built.