I’d like the memory of me

to be a happy one,

I’d like to leave an afterglow

of smiles when life is done.

I’d like to leave an echo

Whispering softly down the ways,

Of happy times and laughing

times and bright and sunny days.

I’d like the tears of those who

Grieve, to dry before the sun

Of happy memories that I leave

When life is done.

I found this poem recently while taking care of some of dad's files. He wrote his name on the poem and the words "last request". I wish I had found it sooner, but I guess he wanted to give us this message at the right time.

Harry L. Carpenteri, 85, died September 18, 2015 at a Bangor hospital. 

He was born February 14, 1930 in Norwich, CT the son of Harry and Phoebe Brisson Carpenteri.

Harry attended Norwich High School, Norwich, CT and married Betty H. Gillette on July 3, 1958 in Hartford, CT.  He worked  and lived in Manchester, CT for many years before retiring to Maine, living in  Milo and then Veazie.  He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and in 2008 at the age of 78 was successful on his first moose hunt  fulfilling a lifelong dream.  Harry enjoyed horse racing, professional boxing , NASCAR and collecting stuff…all sorts of stuff.

He is survived by his loving children, sons Edwin J. Ciolkosz, Michael J. Ciolkosz and wife Shirley, and Stephen D. Carpenteri, and daughters, Janet E. LaForest  and husband Tom, Cathy Barber and husband George, Peggie Waldron and husband Bob, and Trish Hayes;  15 grandchildren, 34 great-grand children,  9 great-great-grandchildren , and a special grand-dog, Stella. 

He was predeceased by his parents, his wife Betty H. Carpenteri, a brother Edward Maloney, a sister Ruth Burr, a daughter Nancy C. Miller, two grandsons Bradley G. Miller III and Patrick J. Miller. 

A service to celebrate Harry’s life will be held at 3:00 pm on September 26, 2015 at the Birch Street Senior Center, Orono (Parker dining room).  Those who wish may make donations in Harry’s memory by contributing to the Parker Dining Room (meals for Seniors), C/O Rosemary Freese, 353 Main St., Orono, ME  04473.