Kent Heisley Carpenter

Kent Heisley Carpenter, 87, of Chambersburg, PA, passed away on January 26, 2026, at his home. Born April 30, 1938, in Williamsport, PA, he was a son of the late John and Ruth Carpenter.

The middle child of three boys, he and his brothers would keep their mother busy with a variety of antics, some of which led Kent to build a car on his own at the age of 15. He continued this path by going off to Penn State, where as a member of the Delta Chi Fraternity, he continued combining hijinks and engineering, graduating with a degree in Chemical Engineering. After graduating he worked various jobs, including Nuclear Engineering with his brother Jack at the University of Michigan, which brought him to Ann Arbor. During this time, he developed a hobby of driving race cars, winning several trophies, and eventually leading to starting Sports Car Service with his brother Phil, among others. He moved into an apartment complex where he literally met the girl next door, Sigrid Louise Allen, and the two married in June 1972. They established themselves in Ann Arbor, starting a family, and Kent eventually took a job at Climax Molybdenum. Circa 1980, Kent and his brothers built “The Lodge” on family land north of Williamsport where much vacation time would be spent over the years. In 1984 Kent’s job transferred the family to Connecticut, living in Stamford for many years and later Newtown. Kent went on to work for ATMI, the company from which he would eventually retire. Throughout all his employment, Kent was granted 13 patents. He and Sigrid restored a 1770’s house in Newtown, before moving to Chambersburg, PA after Sigrid’s retirement. He never lost his love of automobiles, owning and restoring many throughout his life, including the first car he ever bought, a 1928 Franklin. In retirement Kent spent much of his time volunteering with various organizations such as the Lions Club and putting his extensive building experience to work with Habitat for Humanity. He not only helped build many houses but also helped open ReStores in Connecticut and Chambersburg.

Those who knew Kent praised his kindness, resourcefulness, and willingness to help wherever needed. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sigrid; his son Erik (Dyanne); daughter Sarah (Rich); and three grandchildren. While brothers Jack and Phil preceded him in death, the three are now reunited in Heaven, where we can only assume their antics can resume. Kent leaves behind a legacy of service and humbleness, and will be missed by all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Grand Point Church, 2230 Grand Point Road, Chambersburg, PA 17202. Rev. Scott Despres will officiate. The family will receive friends following the service. Arrangements are entrusted to the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home, Chambersburg, PA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County, or the Carpenter Family Diversity Scholarship at Hope College. Condolences and memories may be shared at geiselfuneralhome.com.