Dec. 18, 2025

The University of Rhode Island is saddened to learn of the death of art professor emeritus Richard Calabro, who died Dec. 8 in San Diego. He was 88 years old.

Professor Calabro joined the University’s Department of Art and Art History in July 1968. In 1982, he became a full professor at URI, a role he held until he retired in June 2005. Professor Calabro’s early art career enabled him to help establish the highly regarded programs of the URI art department’s Main Gallery, known as the only venue in Rhode Island showcasing nationally known artists. He also regularly showcased his art pieces at the University.

Before joining URI, Calabro was part of the New York avant garde art community that included well-known artists, such as Philip Glass, Italo Scanga and others. His work using performance, video, installations and sculpture reflected and helped form a very progressive contemporary body of work.

He became faculty emeriti in 2007. In 2023, URI established a scholarship program in Calabro’s name. The Richard Calabro Scholarship supports students who show exceptional talent in sculpture. Three students have received Calabro scholarships since its launch.

“Richard’s philosophical way of thinking shaped everything he did, and it made him a remarkable presence at URI—thoughtful, generous, and deeply committed to his students and colleagues,” said Ben Anderson, URI art department chair and associate visual arts professor. 

Born in 1937 in Yonkers, New York, Calabro earned his bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture from the University of Georgia in 1961. He subsequently earned his Master of Fine Arts degree from Pennsylvania State University in 1968.

An avid adventurer and sailor, he spent many years sailing and racing on Narragansett Bay, including winning the 1999 North American J92 Championship.

He is survived by his wife, Wenxian; daughter Rachel Calabro; granddaughter Pepper Travers; and brother Paul. Funeral services are pending. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Richard Calabro Scholarship online or via the URI Foundation, PO Box 1700, Kingston, R.I. 02881 with the memo “Richard Calabro Scholarship.” To view his full obituary, or to leave condolences, please visit Everloved.com.