Noble Olds Carpenter

Noble Olds Carpenter, age 94, of Canton, Ohio, died peacefully on April 27, 2024. Born in Cleveland on May 8, 1929, he was the son of John W. and Maribel O. Carpenter. He grew up in Shaker Heights and attended University School, where he played football and was elected a member of the Aurelian Society, and Princeton University, where he graduated Cum Laude in 1951.  During the Korean War, he served in the Ohio National Guard, and remained active in State Troopers of Ohio, serving as trustee from 1989 until 2001.

After college, he moved back to Cleveland and worked at Central National Bank.  In 1965, he moved to Canton and became President and Chief Executive Officer of The First National Bank of Canton, later The Central Trust Co. of Northeastern Ohio, a job he held until his retirement in 1991.  He was also Executive Vice President and a Director of The Central Bancorporation, Cincinnati, Ohio and became CEO in 1987.

Mr. Carpenter believed in personal accountability through service, and supported organizations within the banking profession, the Canton community, his country, and other clubs of interest. He was active in the Ohio Bankers Association, serving on several committees as well as Treasurer and a Director. In 1990, he was elected Ohio Banker of the Year.  He continued to support other important causes in the banking industry as an ABA Certified Commercial Lender, a member of Robert Morris Associates, and the Association of Reserve City Bankers. As an accomplished commercial banker and leader, he was asked to join The Young Presidents Organization, and continued his service with both the World Business Council and World Presidents Organization.  After retirement, he served as a consultant for the International Executive Service Corps.

Noble cared deeply about Canton, and offered his time, dedication, and support for the following organizations over his lifetime: the Y.M.C.A.; Aultman Hospital; Canton Scholarship Foundation; United Fund of Central Stark County; Bluecoats; United Negro College Fund; U.S.Savings Bond Committee; Central Canton Development Association; Radio Free Europe; Stark Development Board; Junior Achievement; and the Stark Community Foundation. Mr. Carpenter was a member of St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Massillon, OH for many years. And he also enjoyed spending time with friends as a member of The Canton Club, Brookside Country Club, Swdohaha Field Club, The Country Club (Cleveland), and The Union Club of Cleveland.

But above all other interests, Noble enjoyed spending time outdoors with friends and family.  As a young boy, he spent his summers in Canada and Northern Michigan either in a canoe or on his small ¼ horsepower “putt-putt” boat.  As an adult, he was a founding and long serving trustee of the Stark County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited.  And as a father, he enjoyed most being at Walloon Lake, Michigan every summer with his family on his Cape Dory sailboat, appropriately titled “Refuge.”

Noble was predeceased in death by his first wife, Ann Lindemann Carpenter in 1987. He is survived by his second wife, Sherry Danhof Carpenter; three sons and daughters-in-law John L. (Ronni-Jo) Carpenter of North Yarmouth, ME; Noble O. Jr. (Mariellen S.) Carpenter, of Bronxville, NY; and Robert W. (Erica L.) Carpenter of Wyndmoor, PA; nine grandchildren and spouses ScottCarpenter (Tory); Robert Carpenter; Alison Carpenter (Taylor); Noble Carpenter, III (Leah); Nicole Carpenter; Ned Carpenter; Nan Carpenter; Ann Carpenter; and Maribel Carpenter (who all affectionately called him “Bapa”); and three great grandchildren (Olivia, Henry and Douglas). He is also survived by Sherry’s children Ted D’Atri (CC); Kris D’Atri (Jeremy Rapport), and Ellen D’Atri (Scott Fitzsimmons) and their families.

We wish to express our thanks to the nurses at Autman Hospice for their faithful care.

Services will be held at 10:00 AM on May 29^th at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Massillon, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Stark Community Foundation, 400 Market Ave. N., Canton, OH 44702, or the charity of one’s choice.