Paul A. Darling

Paul A. Darling, a lifelong resident of Barrington, RI, passed away peacefully at the age of 95 after a recent illness, surrounded by his loving family.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Fay; his children, Christopher, Andrew, and Elysa; his granddaughters, Catherine and Olivia; their mother, Tina; and his daughter-in-law, Carine.

A gifted artist and photographer, Paul graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design with aspirations for a traditional career in illustration. He started out working at the Brown University Photo Lab, and then a summer job with WJAR-TV in 1956 led him to a long and impactful career in broadcast journalism at WPRO-TV, where he worked on news, sports, and documentary programming. He later went on to have a very successful, award-winning freelance photography and photojournalism career.

He was descended from the Darling family that inspired the name for the Darlington neighborhood in Pawtucket. The former judge in the city’s annual photo contest was the great-great-grandson of Samuel Darling, brother of Pawtucket Hall of Fame member Edwin Darling.

Paul proudly served eight years in the National Guard, a reflection of his commitment and sense of duty.

Always with a camera in hand, Paul documented not only events, U.S. presidents, and celebrities, but the quiet beauty of Rhode Island and the shores of Narragansett Bay. He had a deep passion for the local environment and history. His work in this area, along with his love for storytelling through imagery, was featured in Yankee Magazine for many years. In 1959, he took aerial photographs of Barrington from a small Piper Cub plane — images now archived at the Barrington Public Library and the Barrington Preservation Society. He was also a longtime photographer for Rhode Island Monthly Magazine and The Barrington Times, covering everything from local businesses to politicians and TV personalities.

As one of the world’s foremost yachting photographers, Paul spent 25 years capturing every America’s Cup race from 1958 to 1983, uniquely preserving the drama and history of the sport through his lens. His work has been featured at the Herreshoff Marine Museum (of which he was a longtime member), the America’s Cup Hall of Fame, and in Sailing, Yachting, and Cruising World magazines, standing as a lasting tribute to the people and legacy of competitive sailing.

In his later years, Paul dedicated himself to writing and authored several books, including Narragansett Bay, Racing for the America’s Cup, and We Were Pioneers - about his groundbreaking time in television.

Paul had a deep love and special way with animals and wildlife, often rescuing and caring for sick or injured creatures. One of his most popular photo books was inspired by the families of chipmunks he lovingly befriended and observed in his garden year after year, a project he joyfully collaborated on with his granddaughter Olivia.

Paul also loved attending monthly TV alumni luncheons, where he was recognized as one of the longest-living alumni from the station. He cherished the lasting friendships formed during his early career at WPRI-TV and the shared memories that continued to bring joy in his later years.

In 2023, Paul attended his 70th reunion at RISD as the sole representative of the Class of 1953 and was deeply proud to celebrate this milestone, reflecting on a lifetime shaped by creative influences and friends from that time.

He was a kind and adventurous spirit who lived life with creativity, curiosity, and a generous heart. His warmth and humor touched everyone who knew him. We are deeply grateful for the many years we shared, and his memory will continue to guide and inspire us.

A private graveside burial will take place at Prince’s Hill Cemetery in Barrington, Rhode Island, where Paul will be laid to rest among loved ones.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Paul’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Cancer Society.