Eugene C. Pizzuto

Eugene C. PIZZUTO Died on April 17, 2004, at his home in Seattle, Washington, after a brief illness. He was 79 years old. Gene was born in Waterbury, Connecticut on January 6, 1925, fourth child of Nicola and Lucy (nee Tortorelli) Pizzuto. Gene met Laura Euler while they were students at the University of Wisconsin. They married on June 15, 1949, with $6 between them, and while pursuing parallel careers in art raised two children, Lucy Kay Phillips of Sitka, Alaska, and James Eugene Pizzuto of Newark, Delaware. They have three grandchildren, Megan, David and Ellen. Gene obtained his formal education at the University of Wisconsin (B.A. 1949) and the Cranbrook Academy of Art (M.F.A. 1951). He brought to his work and life a boundless curiosity, a love of music, and a passion for the natural world, particularly mushrooms. For over forty years, Gene Pizzuto was a notable member of Seattle's art and education community, and his paintings were exhibited throughout the country and abroad. He retired from the University of Washington in 1993, where he was Professor of Drawing and Painting from 1957. He continued painting after retirement, and was active in his studio into the last week of his life. A review of his most recent paintings (some of which hang in the Baas Gallery on 2703 East Madison), said: "Pizzuto's surety of touch distills each vista into the freshness of spring; each nude into a Muse. Nothing feels labored or reined in. Clearly, a mature artist's hand is at work, dashing off drama and magic, responding to gut emotions rather than analyzed thoughts." Gene's remains will be cremated and scattered in Eastern Washington according to his wishes. Plans for a memorial service will be announced. Donations should be made to The Group Health Community Foundation, 1730 Minor Ave., Ste. 1500, Seattle, WA. 98101.