Paul Anthony Picozzi, 84, of Warwick, Rhode Island, died on Tuesday, March 1, 2016, at Philip Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence.
He was born in Providence on March 15, 1931, the son of Anna (Ricci) and Americo Picozzi and raised in the family home on Carpenter Street. Paul was a graduate of Central High School, Providence College, and Rhode Island College. He also attended Boston College Law School. Paul taught social studies and history for thirty-seven years at several Warwick schools, retiring as department chair at Toll Gate High School. Because of his interest in democracy projects, he participated in national programs at Bard and Reed colleges as well as at UCLA. He was a citizen of the world having traveled to work with teachers in the Czech Republic and Albania after the fall of the Berlin Wall. In addition, he hosted educators from the former German Democratic Republic. Years before he had led many student tours annually throughout Europe. Paul was a Fulbright Teacher Scholar and studied in Israel. In his retirement, he was an adjunct professor at Bristol Community College.
During many summer seasons, Paul was the director of camp programs at Rocky Hill School and prior to that at the Warwick YMCA Camp Ok-Wa-Nessett. Throughout his life, he had a passionate commitment to high school football, working as a member of the RI Football Officials Association and as a member/officer of the Providence Gridiron Club. Paul was a dedicated member of Triggs Memorial Golf Course for over fifty years. He loved his Catalina, especially sailing it on Greenwich Bay in the fall. For over the last two decades, he resided in Warwick with his wife, Carol Lukowski and son, John.
Paul will be sadly missed but lovingly remembered by Carol and John, his sister Joan Bruzzese of Johnston, RI; his daughter Anne of St. Petersburg, FL; his son David and his wife, Jean of Ferrisburgh, VT; his son Paul; and grandchildren, Andrew, Amanda, and Alex of Richmond, RI.
A thoughtful speaker, kind and amiable, Paul touched so many people with his wit and intellect. With his continued commitment to education, his remains have been donated to the Anatomical Gift Program at Brown University. Private funeral arrangements were held at an earlier date. Donations in his memory may be made to: Hope Hospice & Palliative Care, c/o Philip Hulitar Inpatient Center, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904.
“Riposa in pace, Paulo”
