Raymond Paul Comazzi

A Life Well-Painted: The Life of Raymond P. Comazzi

Raymond Paul Comazzi, a remarkable artist whose brushstrokes breathed life into everyday landscapes, passed away on November 18, 2024, at the age of 90. Born in the heart of Greenwich Village in New York City, on June 29, 1934, Raymond’s life was a masterpiece in the making. He lived his life with grace and gratitude, guided by his faith in God to inspire those around him to embrace their own passions and pursue their dreams.

He was the son of Luigi ‘Louis’ Paolo Giuseppe Comazzi and Josephine Annie Tosonotti, whose Italian heritage contributed to New York City’s vast melting pot of cultures. Despite the shadow of The Great Depression looming over his youthful years, Raymond refused to allow it to stifle his natural creativity. Instead, it ignited his resolve to seek beauty in the face of adversity and to embrace acceptance rather than indifference.

 In 1950, Raymond moved to Kenvil, New Jersey, where he attended Roxbury High School and developed his artistic talents. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, he returned to Kenvil, married Jean Ford, and started a family. His time in Kenvil helped shape his easy-going character. Then in 1971, Raymond made a pivotal decision to relocate to Winter Park, Florida, where he would spend the next 53 years of his life. He was a pioneer in the electronics retail industry, founding the first Lafayette Radio Electronics store in Central Florida. Later, he transitioned to corporate life, working for Repco, Inc. However, it was a serious back injury that led him to discover his true passion: painting.

 As a self-taught artist, Raymond dedicated his life to capturing the beauty of the world through his watercolors. In 1988, encouraged by loved ones, he left the corporate world to pursue his artistic passion full-time. His meticulous, photorealistic style required weeks of dedicated work. His paintings garnered numerous accolades, including “Best in Show” at the Orlando International Airport's Up, Up and Away Art Show and “First Place” in Watercolors at Disney's Festival of the Masters. His work has been exhibited in galleries across the United States and Europe. 

 Raymond is survived by his loving children, Lynette, Michael, and Paul, his cherished six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and his dear brother, Robert. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jean, and his sister, Lorraine.

A funeral service will be held at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Winter Park, Florida, on Monday, December 16, at 10 AM. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association in Raymond’s honor.

 Raymond Paul Comazzi, a true artist, has left an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come. His art will always grace the walls of our hearts, and his gentle soul and kind heart stand as testaments to the human spirit's ability to transcend adversity and create beauty in every aspect of life. As we bid farewell to this extraordinary father and artist, let us remember the words of Pablo Picasso, "Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up."

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