Kenneth Carpi, a prominent automobile dealer who owned Sea Crest Cadillac Pontiac Mazda on the Lynnway in Lynn, has passed away just two months shy of his 87th birthday. Mr. Carpi died peacefully Friday night at his home in Swampscott, MA.
Mr. Carpi started in the automobile business in the 1940's with his brother, Thomas Carpi. The two brothers remained business partners and best friends until his death. Mr. Carpi's son, Ken, also followed his father into the automobile business where they worked together. Ken describes this time working alongside his father as "It was an honor and a pleasure to work under my father for thirty years in business. He had a great philosophy that I try to follow, 'The harder you work, the luckier you get.'”. Their great success in the automobile industry has been recognized publicly by receiving the prestigious status of Master Dealer, the highest distinction for General Motors dealers. Furthermore, Kenneth and Thomas grew their dealership into the largest GM dealership in sales in New England. Kenneth and his wife of sixty years, Lillian, traveled the world together along with top General Motors executives reaching destinations such as Europe, the Middle East, and Hong Kong. Later in life, it gave Kenneth great joy to witness many of his former employees become top automobile dealers.
After selling the dealership to General Motors in 1990, Kenneth turned his business efforts into developing real estate ventures with his son, Ken, and his brother, Thomas. In his free time, Kenneth enjoyed spending time at his Boca Raton, FL residence, traveling, golfing, and collecting antique cars. But above all, he enjoyed being surrounded by his family and friends.
Mr. Carpi leaves his wife, Lillian Carpi of Swampscott and Boca Raton, his son and daughter-in-law Kenneth and Mary Jane Carpi of Swampscott and Boca Raton, his granddaughter and her husband Kristine and Jeffrey Kuntz (with great-grandson Jackson) of Boca Raton, his granddaughter and her husband Karen and Peter Bohlin of Boston, his brother and sister-in-law Tomas and Rita Carpi of Lynnfield and Boca Raton, and his sister Rita Petralia of Melrose. He was predeceased by his sister Sarah Carpi.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a mass in celebration of his life Tuesday, October 19th in Saint John the Evangelist Church, 178 Humphrey Street, Swampscott, at 10 AM. Interment private. In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent in Kenneth’s name to a charity of one’s choice.