Let's get the sad details out of the way, so that we can celebrate a man's life, shall we?

Alex Foster Carpenter of Lancaster passed away Wednesday, October 26, at Fairfield Medical Center in Lancaster. He was only 29 years old.

Now ... Are you ready, kids?

Alex was born August 5, 1993, in Fairfax, Virginia. At an early age, his love of baseball became apparent. He appreciated the greatness and skill of the world's best players, which is how a Virginia native became a lifelong fan of the Boston Red Sox. Following a team with legends like Curt Schilling, Pedro Martinez and David Ortiz was a nice introduction to the game. When Ortiz was voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in January, Alex was overjoyed that his favorite player had reached the pinnacle of the sport.

He grew up playing the nation's pastime, primarily as a first baseman and pitcher. Those experiences on the diamond shaped a devout passion for how the game should be played. He considered the Astros and steroids scandals deadly sins because "baseball was his church." And Fenway Park was his St. Peter's Basilica. He treasured his opportunity to see a game inside Boston's legendary ballpark. He also enjoyed traveling to other stadiums to cheer on the Sox, much to the consternation of the hometown fans.

“Being grown up is boring. Besides, I don’t ‘get’ jazz.” – Patrick Star

Alex may have liked to watch any sport on TV — especially if curling was on during the Winter Olympics — but he had an artistic side as well.

He enjoyed playing the euphonium in the school band. He had a brief stint as a jazz trombonist, but decided it wasn't for him. His love of music stayed with him, though, and he tried to listen to as many varieties as he could (except country). Weezer's Teal album was a particular favorite along with Weird Al's entire catalog.

In high school, Alex took several photography classes and had an eye behind the camera. But he was most known for his aptitude in the kitchen.

His aunt helped open up his culinary passion. She once gave him a torch for a creme brulee set that was initially seen as a misguided gift, but turned out to be prescient. His meatloaf became a highlight of the yacht club menu and the recipe is a sought-after secret.

And then there's his chicken wings. It's safe to say he elevated them from a simple bar food into a poultry art.

“Wait, Spongebob, we’re not cavemen. We have technology.” – Patrick Star

Alex loved his video games. Even when he was in the hospital, he made sure to have his Xbox and monitor in his room. He was talented with a controller in his hands, playing (and winning) a variety of games on different consoles. All those wins never went to his head, as he was gracious in victory, something Alex learned from a couple of his favorite characters, Mario and Captain America.

He was a proud Marvel fan and a proud nerd. Alex cherished Dan Harmon's work with "Community" and "Rick and Morty." He could also quote "Spongebob" with ease and for hours with his brother, Adam.

Alex never missed a chance for a marathon of "The Office." He could last for hours. (That's what she said.)

“You never really know the true value of a moment, until it becomes a memory.” – SpongeBob

Alex met Lydia Moorman in 2013. It didn't take long for them to fall in love. On October 24, 2015, they got married in an intimate ceremony with family and friends in Centreville, Virginia.

They traveled and experienced life together as best friends. Alex enjoyed laughing and mischief, and with Lydia, he got his fill.

Alex had a big heart and was beloved by those who got to know him.

He is survived by his wife Lydia (Moorman) Carpenter of Lancaster and their two doggos, Winston and Kallie. He is also survived by his mother Barbara Carpenter of Berryville, Virginia, his father Jerry Carpenter (Terri Carpenter) of Lancaster, his brother Adam Carpenter of Lancaster, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and loved ones.

A Celebration of Life will be held Nov. 4 from 6-9 p.m. at the Shining Light Community Church, 1868 E. Main St., in Lancaster.

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