Paul Raymond Carpender

Paul Carpender, 78, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2026. He was born on October 1, 1947.

Paul was born in Newport and graduated from Rogers High School. Early in life, Paul found a love of live performance, specifically in light and sound production. He began his career in the entertainment industry as sound manager for the band Aerosmith. After many years on the road, Paul returned home where he ran projection for many theaters, including The Opera House, Starlight Twin Drive-in, Jane Pickens Theater, and The Strand. After working several years in the movie theater industry, Paul found his true passion dedicating 25 years of his professional life to Disney World as a light and sound manager, where his talent and passion helped bring magic to life for countless audiences. Among his proudest accomplishments was his work on The Lion King and Finding Nemo productions that reflected his deep love for storytelling, creativity, and the performing arts.

Paul was predeceased by his father, Guy Ellsworth Carpender, and his mother, Lillian Dawn Carpender.

He is survived by his brother, Richard Carpender, and sister-in-law, Jean Carpender; his nieces, Karyn Carpender, Kristin Gilman, and Colleen Carpender; his nephew, Mark Carpender; as well as many great-nieces and great-nephews. Paul also leaves behind many cherished friends whose lives were enriched by his generosity, humor, and kindness.

A devoted lover of the theater, Paul especially enjoyed attending performances at PPAC. He delighted in sharing that passion with others and was well known for gifting tickets to friends and family so they could experience the joy of live theater.

Services will be on Saturday February 7th at 1pm at OceanPointe Christian Church on 66 Valley Road in Middletown. For those who cannot attend, services will be live streamed on the OceanPointe YouTube channel.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Middletown Senior Center, where Paul found friendship, community, and connection. The family would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Hulitar Hospice Center for the compassionate and loving care they provided to Paul during his final days.

Paul's legacy lives on in the memories, laughter, and shared moments he gave so freely to those around him.