Leonard "Len" James Petrillo

Len, artist and educator, will be remembered with love long after his passing.

Len passed away on March 25, 2022. He was born in 1946 to his loving parents, the late Yvonne Goguen and James Petrillo, in Providence, RI.

He loved playing basketball, eating fried clams, driving his red convertible, and cooking, especially homemade pizza....making the perfect crust. Most of all, he loved being a dad.

His goal in life was to be an artist, which he pursued with enthusiasm and passion.

Len received a BFA in painting and drawing from Swain School of Design, New Bedford, MA and an MFA from Brooklyn College in 1971. He lived and worked in New York where he taught art and design throughout the metropolitan area including: New York Academy of Figurative Art, Brooklyn College, the Fashion Institute of Technology and the Brooklyn Museum. Before his retirement, Len was a professor at City University of New York.

Len was one of the founding members of the First Street Gallery in 1969. His works have been exhibited in numerous one-person and group exhibitions in New York; and, his works are in public and private collections both nationally and internationally.

Retirement for Len meant returning to his roots....Cranston, RI.

He is survived by his beloved daughter, Leah, his sister, Ann Votto, his brother, Thomas Petrillo and nieces and cousins.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to all who provided care and compassion.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial on Monday at 10:00 am in Immaculate Conception Church, 237 Garden Hills Drive, Cranston. Visiting hours and burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to:

First Street Gallery
Attn: Treasurer, Donations
First Street Gallery, Inc. 526 West 26th Street – Suite 209
New York, NY 10001-5518

or online at:

https://www.firststreetgallery.org/membership/donate/