Col. Robert Francis Paling, 73

WAREHAM – Col. Robert Francis Paling, Ret. USAF, 73, of Wareham, passed away on August 21, 2025, at Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital, Westborough. He was the husband of Yvette Renee (D’Harlingue) Paling.  They were married for fifty years. He was the son of the late William H. and Barbara K. (Marble) Paling.

He was born in Brookline, raised in Wareham, and retired in Nashua, NH before moving back to Wareham in 2018 to enjoy the beaches he grew up on with his family.

Col. Paling graduated from the Air Force Academy and received master’s degrees from Southern Illinois University and Rivier University in NH. He was a passionate lifelong learner.

He proudly served active duty in the U.S. Air Force from 1973 until 1998. After a distinguished career, receiving multiple awards including the Meritorious Service Medal twice, he retired as a Colonel. He served as navigator in multiple international conflicts.

Bob’s accomplishments and interests were far too many to list, but among the notable include: he belonged to International Foster Parents Plan for over 40 years, coached T-Ball for all three of his children, was a Boy Scout leader from Tiger Scouts to Eagle Scouts, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Nashua, NH. In 1979, he was recognized by the Jaycee’s in Dover, DE as one of the “Outstanding Young Men of America” in the military category. He loved travelling and visited all 50 states and 6 of the 7 continents.   He enjoyed fishing, golfing, gardening, and coin collecting. Above all, though, he loved spending time with his family and friends.

Survivors include his wife, Yvette Renee (D’Harlingue) Paling; a son, Jason Paling and his wife, Siobhan Kemezys of Nashua, NH; his daughters, Sarah Paling Cardoso and her husband, Tiago Cardoso of Nashua, NH, and Kathryn Donovan and her husband, Matthew Donovan of Mattapoisett; 2 brothers, David Paling and Richard Paling both of Wareham; a sister, Judy Santangelo of Wareham and their families; 4 grandchildren, Gabriel Buxton, Harper Cardoso, Eleanor Cardoso, and Jeannette Donovan.

Visiting hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025, at Chapman Funerals & Cremations – WAREHAM, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham, followed by a funeral service at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Plan International (formerly International Foster Plan) or Disabled American Veterans (DAV).