I had the pleasure of working with Raph for a couple of years while he was at USM around 2013-2014 after his accident. What a distinct presence he was as an instructor and friend. Talent for days and a big heart. A true visionary as well. Really cared about his students.

I just recently heard about his passing and its April, 2021, nearly two years since this happened. He was my painting professor in Savannah, GA in 95-96. I can't say we saw eye to eye on many things and he was never a 'favorite' professor.  However, since I became a professor of painting myself, I can say I learned more from him than anyone else from that time. And I often find myself thinking what we he would think about this painting or drawing and how would he deliver that information. Wish we could have re-connected. I had heard about his car accident and recovery but not this. Still not sure what happened but the world is less interesting without you. 

I had Raphael DiLuzio as a professor for a couple of classes at The Savannah College of Art and Design back in the 1990s. He was a very talented artist and very knowledgable about art. He was also a great professor and he had a great sense of humor to boot. And he was very honest. He said exactly what he thought and that is something that I appreciate. I had no idea that had been in a terrible accident over ten years ago and that he passed away last year (at the time of me writing this it is 2020). I have many fond memories of him as a teacher. RIP, Raphael. You were a good person and I know you are missed by many people. 

I remember meeting you through an old fashioned phone call in the days before text messages when Alex told me about her “amazing professor.” Instant friends, I remember your house in Downtown Orono filled with all your paintings of Roosters (and perhaps a few others), the breakfasts you made us: yogurt and bee pollen and espresso, long drives to Sebec in the yellow VW, walks with Artemis, waking up on my visits to your loud yoga breath downstairs and hearing the patter of your feet from chataranga. I remember the sneak previews of the filming of your digital installation art before Palermo and Germany. Then in Portland, your excitement of the new city (I was the one who moved there first ;) ), long chats about life in my apartment. You never abandoned me in my tough times, and I did my best to be your friend during yours as well. Then, you came to share your amazing mind earlier this year at the university I work at. My team still says you are the best guest speaker we have ever had. You’ve always had the ability to make the world your audience and captivate a crowd. The world has truly lost an incredible artist and and innovative, unique mind. I have lost a friend. I pray your smiling down on all of us now. 

You were one of my first mentors and helped guide and encourage me on my path of creativity. Yes, all of us students loved bellyaching about you outside of class and how difficult you were to please with our work but I think of those days in "Year in Film" as some of the best and I made friends that are still my closest to this day. I remember the summer I watched Artemis while you were away and had the run of your house. Don't worry I never threw a party, I mostly just watched Sex and the City dvds (still not sure if they were yours). I do think I am a better artist because of you and your classes. What I appreciate the most about you is how utterly Raphael you always were. With your European style, yellow Volkswagen bug and affinity for Absinthe and tiny cups of espresso I can say without question you are one of the most unforgettable people I've encountered. 


I'm not sure who I'm writing to but was completely shocked minutes ago to hear of Raphael's death (though I always called him 'Ralph), only a moment before I thought I was on the verge of reconnecting with him after too many years.  I knew Raphael/Ralph as a student at Cornell. that summer he'd drive his Crayola green Studebaker over to my house, rustle me awake and drag me out for a hike or to go drawing by the pond.  I convinced Raphael to come to New Orleans, my second home and about that time I moved to NYC - life zigged and zagged, years passed and I'd hear Raphael left NO, rumors of a marriage in maybe South Carolina or a Mazzy Star song would come on the radio and I'd conjure him, wonder where he was, that talented, mischievous, marvelous character. 

I had Raphael as a perspective drawing professor this past fall. As an art student, I’ve been drawing as long as I’ve been able to hold a pencil, but I never felt challenged by any art course I’ve taken until I entered his class. He was always kind and encouraging to every student and found something beautiful in every piece of artwork that was presented to him. I learned so much from him; he allowed for me to grow and develop into a better artist, he frequently acknowledged my talent and made me believe in myself. When I last spoke to him in December, he told me he knew that he would hear about me in the future. He was truly a kind, intelligent, talented soul, and I’m grateful that I can take with me the knowledge he shared. Rest in peace.

Raphael was so inspirational and made a huge impact in my life.  I had him as my Digital Art professor at USM and I loved going to his classes and meeting at the Ci2 Lab to work on the most bizarre and challenging assignments, and learn from one of the most brilliant people I've ever met in my life.  He made a difference, and for that, among many other things, he will be remembered and sorely missed.  Paint the heavens with your beautiful soul Raphael!!! 

hello all,
I have known Raphael since 1977, when we met as teenage college students in Huntington Beach, California at Goldenwest College.

In the 42 years that we have been friends, I learned so much from him, and received so much love and attention. He introduced me to another best friend who at one time was my husband.

Truly, Raphael is has, and is the most generous spirit i have ever known.

A true genius, incredible artist and painter, logical thinker,  and loving friend. A lover of animals, and nature,  i am such a better person for having known him for so many years. thank you. Gail Kiefer


Raphael was a great mentor and friend.  He was bold and took great risks that reaped rewards in educational experiences for countless students.  We built programs and explored new technologies together always amidst much fun.  I still have a pic of you on your favorite headstone (that story stays with me ;) Humor me while I pretend this is the most edgy performance art ever, and hope for you to appear again with a lesson...  :(. Rest in Peace Brother.

Ralph was a member of our family for years. We have so many fond memories of him... Christmases, Thanksgivings, camping up on Nicataous, skiing at Saddleback and many visits to Carmel, Maine. Ralph was generous and kind. He was ambitious and innovative and just fun! My family will always remember him with fond memories. Will miss you friend. The Wormell family



Raphael was a wonderful creative contributor to the Maine Center for Creativity.  He was gentle and kind and supported unique and unusual endeavors.  He was the person who helped create the Art All Around project in Portland Me. He is missed and our tears express this deep loss for us all.  Words cannot adequately describe our sense of shock and loss. I looked forward to his next creative endeavor and will miss him dearly.

We recently moved into Raphael's neighborhood, and we met while walking our dogs.   Raphael was so kind, generous, interesting and intelligent.  We were looking forward to developing a lasting friendship with Raphael and his wife.  It is so sad for his life end when he still had so much youthful energy. We miss him terribly already.   Deepest sympathies to Raphael's wife and family. 

OBITUARY

Raphael Diluzio

13 November, 1960 – 13 April, 2019

Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home

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