Paul and Deborah Sterling

Paul Ellsworth Sterling & Deborah Tibbetts Sterling

Paul: August 26, 1937 – January 1, 2026 Deborah: June 9, 1939 – March 13, 2026

Paul Ellsworth Sterling, 88, and his beloved wife Deborah Tibbetts Sterling, 86, passed away within months of one another, Paul on January 1, 2026, and Deborah on March 13, 2026. Married on January 23, 1960, they shared over 66 years of marriage. After a lifetime together, they are remembered now as they lived so much of their lives — side by side.

Paul spent his career as an engineer at Sikorsky Aircraft, where his skill and steady dedication were the hallmark of his working life. Deborah built a long and dedicated career as an executive assistant in the athletics department at Yale University. Together, they built a home and a family grounded in love, loyalty, and hard work.

Beyond their careers, Paul and Deborah created a sense of community and experience wherever they lived. They spoke often of the events of their travels and stories of friends and family who were lucky enough to join them. The world wide tours, many Yale sporting events, summer vacations, and memorable road trips were a vital and cherished part of their lives.

Paul and Deborah are survived by their son, Kevin Sterling and wife Nichole, and their daughter, Tracie Daddio, and husband Robert. They were proud grandparents to Tara McQuaide and husband Ryan, Emily Daddio, Hannah Sterling, and Andrew Sterling, and great-grandparents to Poppy McQuaide, who brought them great joy in their final year. They also leave behind their niece, Michelle Brenneman and husband Michael as well as Paul’s sister Diane Russell and husband Tom.

Paul and Deborah will be remembered for their devotion to one another and to their family, and for the richness with which they lived their lives. Their legacy lives on in their children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter, who carry their love forward.

A quiet family service will be held in August, where Paul and Deborah will be laid to rest with family in Sanford, Maine.

The family invites relatives and friends to hold Paul and Deborah in their hearts and to celebrate the full lives they shared together. Should you choose to honor their memory, please consider a donation to the Ronald McDonald House at https://ronaldmcdonaldhouse.org/ways-to-give