SARATOGA SPRINGS — Peter B. Baruzzi, a longtime resident of Saratoga Springs, passed away at the age of 89 on Friday, July 25, after a long illness.
Following a stint in the U.S. Navy and then college, Mr. Baruzzi moved to Saratoga Springs in 1954 when he accepted a teaching position at Skidmore College’s art department.
After a long career, which included serving several years as Art Department Chair, he retired Professor Emeritus in 1988. His creative expression as an artist spanned his entire career, from his early years in art school, through his retirement years, when his prolific outpouring produced many paintings and a series of 100 drawings in a series called “Totems,” 26 of which were shown in what was to be his last exhibit on Captiva Island, Florida in 2008.
Mr. Baruzzi’s teaching and artwork influenced many over his lifetime: his students at Memphis Academy of Arts, Skidmore College and Chautauqua School of Art, where he taught for many years in the summer arts program; his colleagues and fellows at Memphis Academy of Arts, Iowa State, and Syracuse University where he received his Master of Fine Arts degree; and many friends, family, and supporters who enjoy his wonderful artwork in their homes and businesses.
Peter spent his years in Saratoga Springs doing the things he loved: working in his studio, teaching, golfing, boating, dancing, attending the horse races, traveling and spending time with his family and friends. In his retirement years, he especially loved spending time on Cape Cod in the summer and Florida in the winter. He was active for many years at the Saratoga Golf and Polo Club, where he won many championships and awards.
He served faithfully in the Saratoga Lions Club, the Junior Civic League’s Red Garter Revue dance program, and was a long time member of the United Methodist Church.
Mr. Baruzzi is survived by his wife of 26 years, Michaela Mannion Baruzzi; six children and step-children, Lance Baruzzi of Ballston Spa, Krista Baruzzi Wareing (Ken) of Saratoga Springs, Daniel Marcil of Lake Tahoe, California, Petrea Baruzzi Warneck (Diether) of Columbia, South Carolina, Derek Marcil (Brenda) of Stevenson Ranch, California and Michaela Marcil Kelly (Tom) of Bloomingburg; 12 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. A loving husband, father and grandfather, he will be greatly missed by his family.
The family would like to extend sincere thanks and recognition to Peter’s longtime friend and caregiver, Tom Malone, and to the staff of 4 Springs at Wesley Nursing Home and Community Hospice of Saratoga, all of whom took wonderful care of Peter in his last days.
A memorial service to celebrate and honor Peter’s life is planned for 1 p.m. Friday, August 1 in the Wilson Chapel on the Skidmore Campus.
Expressions of sympathy may be offered online at www.burkefuneralhome.com and gifts in memory of Peter given to Wesley Health Care Center’s Foundation, 131 Lawrence Street or to Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing and Cunniff Funeral Homes o0f 628 North Broadway.
