Lawrence Dean Carpenter

June 1, 1940 - January 1, 2021

Lawrence (Larry) Dean Carpenter of Preston, MD passed away on New Year’s Day. In 1940 Larry was born to Orville and Vivian (Myrl) Carpenter in Kansas City, MO. Much of Larry’s childhood was spent between Kansas City, MO and North Carolina. Larry entered into the field of Avionics Maintenance where he traveled both domestically and internationally. Prior to joining Aeronautical Radio, Inc. (ARINC) in 1982, Larry began his career with the Bendix Corporation. He then joined TWA to work on mechanical instruments, then continued his work at Continental Airlines for telecommunications systems. In 1982, he joined ARINC as the Conference’s Executive Secretary. In 1994, he was instrumental in launching the Flight Simulator Engineering and Maintenance Conference (FSEMC). In addition, in 1994 he received the AAI’s Pioneer Award for his development of the Standard Modular Avionics Repair and Test (SMART) System Software Package. Larry was recognized as a long standing industry leader and celebrated a distinguished career, retiring from ARINC in Annapolis, MD. Larry enjoyed many hobbies. He was a fan of collecting a large assortment of cooking and grilling cookbooks; grilling, barbequing, and smoking meats and cheeses. One of his favorite places to visit, was Ray Johnson’s blade smith and tool making shop in Silver Dollar City, MO. But Larry’s ultimate hobby was all things woodworking from pens to furniture. Larry is survived by his wife Johnna; his children Richard (Karen), Valerie (Greg) and Gregg (Lisa); 2 step-daughters; 7 grandchildren; 1 expected grandchild; 2 great-grandchildren; and his 2 sisters Velma and Doris. Larry is preceded in death by Orville and Myrl Carpenter (parents); Shirley Carpenter (mother of his 3 children); Michelle Carpenter (granddaughter). At the family’s request there will be no public viewing or service.