Gregory James Carpenter

Gregory James Carpenter of Sykesville, Maryland, was called home to the Lord as the Sun rose on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the age of 64.

Born in Washington, D.C., on July 16, 1961, Greg was the son of the late James Marshall and Doris Mae (Spahr) Carpenter. He was preceded in death by his parents; his Aunt Janet and Uncle Billy Carpenter, his sister, Lynda, and brother-in-law Ron Bowman; his brother, Keith, and sister-in-law Tina Carpenter; and his cherished grandchildren Alan John, Colton James, and Lainey Rae Hyrowski.

Greg is survived by his beautiful bride and best friend of 50 years, Ronda Carpenter (Carr); his beloved children, Kristina (Aaron) Knister, Katherine (John) Hyrowski, Bradley (Sierra) Carpenter, Jacqueline (John) Wood, and Jennifer (Jonathan) Childers; and his treasured grandchildren, Casen, Corwin, Malin, and Weston Knister; Sadie Mae, Annaleigh, Eleanor Katherine “Ellie Kaye”, and Madelaine Faith “Millie Faye” Hyrowski; Anna Carpenter; and Amelia, Sawyer, and Coleman Wood. Greg was the youngest of six children and is also survived by his brother, Gary (Lora) Carpenter; his sisters, Marsha (John) Krashoc, and Virginia (the late Robert) Riley; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.

Growing up, Greg was known for his boundless energy, curiosity, and determination. As a boy, he spent hours riding bikes, horses, motorcycles, and playing his baby grand piano. He learned the value of hard work early, from helping his dad in their Suburban Trucking business, to operating and repairing heavy equipment with his brothers, to delivering the Washington Post in DC with Mike Moore. Greg attended High Point High School as frequently as he attended the Laurel Skating Rink, where he spent countless evenings and fate would introduce him to the love of his life.

Greg built a successful career as a Senior Systems Analyst working as a contractor to the State Department and Department of Defense. Long before technology became woven into everyday life, Greg was developing software and systems that contributed to the modern computer technology used around the world today. He possessed a remarkable ability to solve complex problems and was known for his innovative thinking and entrepreneurial spirit.

Together, Greg and Ronda built not only a tight knit family but also a successful business. For more than 35 years, they have owned and operated Carpenter’s Contracting, growing it into a respected enterprise encompassing general contracting, entertainment construction, land development, snow removal, and numerous other ventures. Greg’s vision and skilled leadership spearheaded projects throughout the region, including Six Flags America, Gaylord National Resort, Washington Harbour, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, Tysons Corner, and many other notable destinations. He took tremendous pride in seeing ideas transformed into reality and in the relationships he built along the way.

Outside of work, Greg embraced life to its fullest. He was a passionate NASCAR fan who traveled across the country attending races and championship events. From rookie season until retirement, he remained a loyal supporter of Jeff Gordon and the iconic No. 24 car. Weekends during football season were reserved for cheering on his Washington Redskins. Greg also had a love for motorcycles, and especially enjoyed riding his V8 Boss Hoss, finding freedom and peace on the open road.

Greg cherished adventure and making memories with those he loved. Spending time with family at the beach house on LBI, creating magical memories at Walt Disney World, traveling to Vegas and AC, and the countless miles, laughter, and stories that were shared on the poker runs and snowmobile trails were among his favorite.

Yet, of all of his accomplishments, adventures, and hobbies, Greg’s greatest pride and joy was his family. He was the kind of husband, father, and grandfather who never missed an opportunity to show up. Whether it was a cheerleading competition, softball game, dirt track race or football game on a Friday night, horseback riding event, Scout ceremony, school concert, or classroom performance, Greg was there. He cheered the loudest, celebrated the hardest, and loved unconditionally. His children and grandchildren never had to wonder if he was proud of them—he made sure they knew every single day. He was their biggest supporter and most faithful fan. The joy on his face while watching his children and grandchildren pursue their passions was unmatched.

In recent years, Greg and Ronda found their forever home on a beautiful farm in Sykesville, Maryland. There, Greg spent his days tending fields, fixing fences, maintaining John Deere farm equipment, and caring for the property he loved so much. Some of his happiest moments were spent giving rides on his big green tractor to his grandchildren, sharing stories, teaching life lessons, and creating memories that will last forever. As the day came to a close, he loved nothing more than gathering his family, climbing onto the gators, and watching the sunset over the farm beside the love of his life.

Greg’s life was a testament to hard work, generosity, loyalty, and family. He built businesses, structures, and communities, but his greatest legacy is the family he loved so deeply. His sense of humor, kindness, wisdom, guidance, strength, and unwavering love will continue to live on in the hearts of the countless lives he touched along the way.

Though our hearts are broken by his sudden passing, we take comfort in knowing that Greg has been welcomed into the arms of his Savior and reunited with loved ones who have gone before him.

Family and Friends may visit Donaldson Funeral Home of Clarksville, P.A., 12540 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville, MD 21029 on Thursday, June 18th, 2026 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm and 6:00 - 8:00 pm.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, June 19th, 2026 at St. Louis Catholic Church, 12500 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville, MD 21029 at 12:00 pm with Interment to follow at Lake View Farm Family Cemetery, 6150 Emerald Lane, Sykeville, MD 21784. A Reception will be held from 2:30 - 5:00 pm at 1623 Brewing Company, 5975 Exchange Dr. Unit L, Eldersburg, MD 21784.

Bradley Carpenter, Frank Jackson, Casey Carpenter, John Hyrowski, Aaron Knister, John Wood, Jonathan Childers, and Billy Hamilton will serve as Pallbearers. Gary Carpenter, John Krashoc, Michael Moore and Billy Carpenter will serve as Honorary Pallbearers.

The family’s choice of florist is Blossom & Basket Boutique, Mt. Airy, MD 301-829-8300.

Greg believed in helping others, sharing a laugh, and lending a hand whenever it was needed. To honor his legacy, we invite you to pay it forward with an act of kindness or generosity in his memory.