Edward Enrico Frank Carpenito, age 84, of Long Valley, NJ died peacefully at home on Friday November 14, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer. Edward was born September 17, 1941 in New York City, NY to the late Harry and Carmella (LaRocco) Carpenito. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 57 years (Patricia McCarthy Carpenito) and his brilliant grandson, David Enrico Heard. “Poppy” and David faced cancer for the first time together in 2008.

Edward was previously employed at Forrestdale School in Rumson, NJ where he retired after teaching thousands of students. He earned a BA from Fairleigh Dickinson University and an M.Ed in education from Iowa State University. If you knew Ed, you knew he was always teaching and learning; sometimes social studies and history and sometimes about cultivating and propagating plants or identifying birds, trees and flowers. He worked avidly with the New Jersey Education Association in leadership roles to advance the profession for teachers who came after him and was known for his keen skills at the negotiating table.

If he wasn’t teaching, he rode his road bike around the world with Adventure Cycling or the Morris County Freewheelers. He visited dozens of countries and many states on two wheels and was happiest when the road stretched for miles in front of him. As a student of the natural world, he loved to explore and learn about new states and countries and his self-contained trip to Alaska, the monkey in Laos, and the African safari were just a couple of the memorable trips he had.

Ed was also a long-time member of the Washington Township library board and proudly chaired the board through many advances, reflecting the changing demographics and needs of the library for decades. He was an avid volunteer and past Elder at the Long Valley Presbyterian Church where he had various roles including overseeing the Buildings and Grounds Committee, serving as a confirmand partner or participating in service projects to rebuild homes in Appalachia.

Ed found so much joy in his gardens, and the yard was his pride for many years. His children fondly remember when the tomatoes ripened, and it was time to “make the sauce.” He grew enough vegetables that the family rarely bought at the store! He adored cooking and had a coveted recipe book and always indulged his family’s requests and ensured the holiday table was overflowing with delights.

He is survived by two precious daughters, Kim Ann Carpenito and Susan Carpenito Heard, along with his beloved granddaughter, Daisy Elisabeth Heard, RN, whom he doted on and revered. They spent a lot of time together and he was so proud of her and shared that getting to know her as an adult was the dream of a lifetime.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wild Seed Project: https://wildseedproject.net/,the Washington Township Library: https://wtpl.org/donate/ or the Centenary Stage Company, where he enjoyed so many great shows: https://ci.ovationtix.com/36873/store/donations

Burial of remains will be private at German Valley Rural Cemetery.  Online condolences may be left at www.cochranfuneral.com