Louis Notarianni

LOUIS NOTARIANNI February 4, 1934- January 7, 2025 One month short of his 91st birthday, Louis (Lou) Notarianni left this world behind. Born in Providence, RI on February 4, 1934 to Louis & Sofia, His paternal grandfather originated from the Itri Region of Italy and his maternal grandmother from Beautiful Gaeta. His early years were spent in parts of Mount Pleasant; Later on the family moved off Atwells Avenue. He earned his first “pennies” as a newspaper boy on “The Hill”. He graduated from Central High School, Art was his forte and his Art Teacher, Selma Katz, treated him as a talented student. This would lead to a life of painting & photography. Lou gave credit to the Army for taking him away from “the Hill” and making him a man. He volunteered on May 7th, 1951 for Japan & trained as a Paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division, got his wings at Fort Bragg. The Army sent him to Japan via Korea, straight to the front! He was wounded March 20, 1953 while serving in the 7th Infantry Division at T-Bone Hill near Kumwha; was awarded The Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, the Combat Infantry Badge, The Korean Service Medal w/1 Bronze Service Star, The United Nations Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal, The Parachute Badge and a Purple Heart. After months in Hospital (Tokyo Army Hospital and Walter Reed Hospital) he was released on August. 25, 1954. Eventually Lou would return to Skydiving, logging in over three hundred jumps; no doubt seeking the Adrenaline of battles. He liked living on the edge, it took years for him to settle down from his war experience. At the time, the Providence Post Office welcomed veterans, & Lou decided to give it a try, after all, the hours would allow him to continue painting under Miss Katz supervision who was now also teaching at RISD. The P.O. became a 48 year career, with his becoming Manager of the Statistical Program for RI & parts of Massachusetts in his last 20 years of service. His office was at the “Turnkey P.O.”. in 1962, Selma said to him: “Lou, I can not help you anymore; go to France and study there” He listened, took a leave of absence from his job and sailed on the FRANCE’s first crossing New York/ Le Havre. He briefly attended a French Art Academy but soon discovered the language barrier was too much. He decided to spend the rest of his time traveling through Europe, Museum to Museum. It was on that journey that he met his bride to be, Gigi, they would be married 62 extraordinary years. He was a devoted husband, a great father and grandfather, he gave of himself in every way: loving, caring, generous & could seldom if ever say the word no! Through his yearly visits to France & Italy, he developed a sophisticated palate and relished fine food & wines. With his family, he enjoyed playing tennis & skiing, as well as sailing with friends. He loved Art & Architecture most and the history of it all; other cultures fascinated him and travel became an addiction; He once logged in two round the World Tours in less than two years! There were few countries that he would not fall in love with… Lou played hard but worked just as hard. While traveling Lou took up photography, it became more than a hobby; he eventually founded and operated “Lou’s Photography” for some 25 years. In 1974, he was appointed Rhode Island Official Bicentennial photographer by Dr. Patrick T. Conley, State Chairman of the Rhode Island Bicentennial Commission. As such, he took iconic pictures of numerous memorable, one-in-a- lifetime events such as the 1976 Parade of the World’s Tall Ships in Newport, the visit of Queen Elizabeth II to RI, the lowering, regilding & raising of the Independent Man, the National Wagon Trail and Freedom Train to R.I. and a host of similar colorful events involving dignitaries, militia units and everyday Rhode Islanders. Lou’s photos are on permanent deposit in the R.I. State Archives and some are with the archives of the Heritage Harbor Foundation in E. Providence. Dr. Conley stated recently that Lou’s Photos of the R. I. public events during the last Quarter of the 20th Century are a State Treasure. Lou’s hectic life, had caused him to neglect his painting and it is with great joy that he faced retirement and returned to it; he also dabbled in Pottery & stained glass until illness took his hands in 2015. In his 70’s, Lou also had taken to building walls, some, master pieces, such as a 200 foot wall & stairs! Boredom was never Lou’s problem. Gigi, described him as a fair and kind man, never belittling anyone nor speaking ill of anyone; laid-back with family and friends; jovial, provoked only with much difficulty but reacting to rudeness. Always ready for congenial gatherings or helping friends, packed to travel in minutes! He took pain stoically, never, ever complained. He will be missed and forever remembered lovingly. Death was a deliverance; he is now free of pain. He will be greeted at the Pearly Gates by his parents, Louis & Sofia; his siblings: Debbra, Gloria, Fred; friend & brother-in-law Al Hodges and no doubt his many friends and extended family. Lou is survived by his wife, one daughter, two grandchildren, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

LOU’S FUNERAL is to be held on Wednesday, April 30th, 2025 at 9:00am from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Ave., Cranston, followed by a 10:00am Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary’s Church, 1525 Cranston Street, Cranston, RI. Burial with military honors will be at RI Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter, RI. VISITING HOURS are on Tuesday the 29th, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at Nardolillo Funeral Home.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the “Warwick Veterans Center” in Lou’s name, 2038 Warwick Avenue, Warwick, RI 02889. Attention: Jillian, Mgr.