Raffaello LaMantia a Summer Provincetown Artist and a resident of Providence community known for decorating his home for the seasons. Raffaello was also the Provincetown Carnival King Twice and was known for a number of costumes at events all year long. Raffaello died on January 25, 2026 at his home. He was 90 years old.
Born in Chicago, IL on December 31, 1935, Raffaello was the son of the late Walter and Rose LaMantia. He attended the James B Ward Elementary School and Tilden Technical all boys High School in Chicago. After High School Raffaello pursued his love of creativity and attended-Chicago Teachers College and after one semester a Professor recommend that Raffaello attend the School of Art Institute of Chicago/ University of Chicago and received his Bachelors of Art Education in 1963. Raffaello completed as M.A.E. from Illinois Institute of Technology. Raffaello received a M.F.A from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Raffaello was a lifelong learner and also attended University of Florence, Italy summer of 1972 & 1973. University of California summer program in Florence Italy, 1974 & 1975. Raffello attended the Providence Art Association-Figure Drawing, Summers 1980-1993.
Raffaello received a scholarship to attend the School of Art Institute of Chicago 4 years.
Raffaello in 1961 was selected by the Boys Clubs of America to attend the summer development program at New York University on a scholarship to complete the leadership for future directors of Boys Clubs.
Raffaello was an educator with the Chicago Board of Education from 1963 till retirement in 1999. He was a High School Art Educator. He enjoyed educating first generation Chicago students about figure drawing, figure drawing, still life painting, block printing, collage, fashion illustrating. Besides the classroom Raffaello was involved with the theater program, yearbook, newspaper, Spirit Sign Painting, and Coach of the Checkers and chess club.
Raffaello Outstanding Teacher in Art Education , Chicago Board of Education in 1995.
Raffaello was very active with in his craft: Board of Directors for the Beverly Arts Center, Chicago, IL, Board of Directors : Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company, University of Chicago Laboratory School 1960-1978, Board of Directors, 57th Street Fair, Chicago, IL and Board of Directors, Alumni Association of the Art Institute of Chicago 1975-2000, holding the Presidents position . Where he was the recipient of the Bronze Lion Award by the School of the Art Institute of Chicago Alumni Association 1998.
Raffaello has shared his creations around the world:
Beverly Art Center, Chicago, IL, Medici Coffee House, Hyde Park, Chicago, OxBow Gallery, Saugatuck, MI, David Simpson Gallery, Provincetown, MA, Keith Stone Gallery, Provincetown, Ma, Hyde Park Bank, Chicago, Galleria Dante, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Itlo-American Invitational Show, Egg Feste, Cologne, Germany.
Raffello’s lifetime partner was J. Edward LaVelle for 53 years. They moved to Providence in 2000 so they would be closer to their summer home and property that they managed. They ran the Renaissance Apartments on the west end of Provincetown and then purchased their final summer home in Provincetown West End which was always decorated for all seasonal events. The front porch was always filled with friends and neighbors from around the world.
Raffaello is survived by his sister Yovonne Puleo, his brother James La Mantia, Sister in law Susan, and Sister in law Annette La Mantia and many nephews and nieces and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Walter Jr, Marguerite Tomasiello, Rosemarie, Brother Michael, and Frank.
Raffaello La Manita long Catholic life will be celebrated with a wake and mass at St Joseph Church, Providence RI on Thursday wake 9 to 11 followed by the Mass. Burial will be private. Donations in Raffaello’s name can be shared with St Judes or Boys Town.
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