Marlborough – Ralph G. “Grumps” Carpenter, 82, of Marlborough and Boulder, Co., died Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, surrounded by family, at his son Randy's home in Hudson.
He leaves his wife, Marylou (Mardick) Carpenter in Boulder, Co.; his sons, Ralph Carpenter and his wife Jan, Ronnie Carpenter and his wife Vickie, Chuck Carpenter, Roger Carpenter, and Randy Carpenter and Bob Visco; his step-children, Denise Young and Dale Mardick; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins; and a sister-in-law Marge Carpenter. He also leaves behind a tremendous chosen family and many great friends.
Born in Worcester, the son of the late Ralph and Louise (Cordener) Carpenter, he was educated in the Worcester school system.
Mr. Carpenter was in sales and in saddles (literally) as a career. He was considered to have been one of the top show horse trainers not only in the area, but in the country. He had the privilege to train Pricilla Presley's horse, as well as Arthur Godfrey's.
He always had a joke to tell and could not stay seated when “In The Mood” or any other Big Band tune came on. Affectionately known to all as “Grumps,” he lived and practiced kindness to everyone every day of his life.
Services and burial were private. The John P. Rowe Funeral Home of Marlborough directed arrangements.