Peter B. Baruzzi
Peter B. Baruzzi, professor emeritus of art at Skidmore, died July 25, 2014, in Saratoga
Springs. He was 89.
Following service in the U.S. Navy and earning a B.F.A. degree at the Memphis Academy
of Art and an M.F.A. at Syracuse University, Peter joined Skidmore’s art faculty as
an instructor in 1954. He was promoted to professor in 1973, and served as department
chair in 1979.
Longtime colleagues David Miller and Regis Brodie shared vivid memories of Peter.
David said that Peter was “very insightful, well-respected and well-liked.” The two
co-taught a course called “Current Issues in Art,” a seminar that covered topical
subjects and career options and included field trips to galleries and museums.
When Peter retired in 1988, David told Scope magazine, “Both Earl Pardon and Peter
Baruzzi deserve credit for making the art department grow from a faculty of less than
10 to 20 members. They kept the integrity and quality of the faculty high and established
rigorous requirements for students that kept studio art a viable major.”
Regis called Peter “kind, supportive, and nurturing. He was a mentor to me.”
Peter’s paintings and drawings were exhibited throughout New York State and around
the country. In retirement, he continued to create and had a final show in 2008 on
Captiva Island, Florida.
He spent his years in Saratoga Springs working in his studio, teaching, golfing, attending
the races, traveling and spending time with family and friends. He loved visiting
Cape Cod in the summer and in Florida in the winter. He was active for many years
with the Saratoga Golf and Polo Club, the Saratoga Lions Club, and the Junior Civic
League’s Red Garter Revue dance program. He was a member of the United Methodist Church.
Peter’s survivors include his wife of 26 years, Michaela Mannion Baruzzi, six children
and stepchildren, 12 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Memorial gifts may
be made to Wesley Health Care Center Foundation, 131 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs,
12866; or Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs, 12866.
