Thomas 'Tom' R. Carpenter, 36

LAUREL - Thomas "Tom" R. Carpenter, passed away unexpectedly in his home in Laurel Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008, of natural causes. He was 36. He is survived by his father, Phil Carpenter and wife Susan of Hartly; his stepmother, Carma Carpenter (who helped raise him) of Dover; three sisters, Andrea Smallwood and husband Carlton of Vinton, Ohio; Angel Coffee and husband Mike, of Dover, and Heather Carpenter of Manhattan, N.Y.; paternal grandmother, Miriam Carpenter of Holly Hill, Fla.; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. A private ceremony will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Shepherd Place, 1362 S. Governors Ave., Dover, DE 19904. To send a letter of condolence, visit www.delmarvaobits.com. Arrangements are by Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Smyrna.