Arthur Art Salisbury

Arthur “Art” F. Salisbury, a prominent Rhode Island and Connecticut architect, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 23, 2026, after a six-year battle with complications from Alzheimer’s disease. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, hard work, creativity, and dedication to both family and profession.

Born in Southbridge, Massachusetts, on August 17, 1940, he was the son of the late Arthur A. Salisbury and Gladys L. (Reiff) Salisbury.

Art is survived by his beloved wife, Denise (Petrarca) Salisbury, with whom he shared 68 years together and 63 years of marriage, built on love, mutual respect, and a shared passion for art and design. In 1980, Denise joined him as Interior Designer in his award-winning architectural firm, where they worked side by side until his retirement in 2007. Their life together began shortly after Art graduated from high school at age 18, while Denise was just beginning high school herself. Throughout his illness, Denise remained his guiding light and devoted caregiver.

Art was the proud father of three children and grandfather of seven grandchildren: Kevin Salisbury and his wife, Lisa, and their daughters, Kaitlyn (Vadym), Jessica (Kandace), and Rachel Salisbury Colucci (Derek); Leesa Salisbury McCarthy and her sons, Taylor and Kyle McCarthy (John); and Karin Salisbury Duprey and her husband, Sean, and their children, Cameron and Kendall Duprey.

One of Art’s greatest joys was supporting his children and grandchildren in all of their pursuits. Whether attending swimming meets, dance competitions, hockey games, baseball, softball, lacrosse, or field hockey events, he was always present and enthusiastic. In 2002, he even traveled to Europe to attend a World Dance Competition. He especially treasured family gatherings, holidays, and the lively chaos that came with them. Art was also a devoted Boston Bruins fan and enjoyed holding season tickets for nearly 25 years.

He is also survived by his brother, Kenneth Salisbury and his wife, Joan; his sister, Dianne Machalski; and several nieces and nephews.

A gifted and respected architect, Art built a distinguished career spanning more than 50 years. He attended the Rhode Island School of Design and graduated from the Boston Architectural College in 1969. Known for his integrity, reliability, and exceptional work ethic, he began his professional career with The Providence Partnership, Inc. He later became a corporate officer and partner in Daughn/Salisbury Architects in 1975 before founding and serving as President of The Salisbury Group in 1996, where he remained active until his retirement in 2007.

Art earned widespread recognition for his expertise in architecture, design, and project cost management. Among his many accomplishments, he served as coordinating local architect for the complete renovation of the Providence Biltmore Hotel, overseeing the project from design inception through construction completion, including the concept for its iconic exterior glass elevator.

His extensive portfolio included hotels, educational facilities, affordable housing, assisted living communities, condominiums, healthcare facilities, and projects developed in partnership with HUD and Rhode Island Housing. His work also included Bath County Community Hospital in Hot Springs, Virginia, the Rhode Island School for the Deaf, and the U.S. Naval Academy Visitor Center in Groton, Connecticut, a project he personally oversaw. His firm received numerous citations and honor awards throughout Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

Art also devoted significant time to civic and professional service. Appointed by Providence Mayor Vincent A. Cianci, Jr., he served on the Providence Building Board of Review beginning in 1983 and served as Chairman from 1996 to 2004. In 1995, Governor Lincoln Almond appointed him Commissioner of the Rhode Island Building Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board, where he served until 2007.

He also served as Vice Chairman and later President of the Jewelry District Association’s Design and Preservation Committee until his retirement in 2007. Art contributed to Providence’s City Walk subcommittee, participated in the Waterfront Park Design Competition in 2006, and later served on its selection committee in 2010. He was a member of the Downtown Design Review Committee and later participated in the Jewelry District’s Downtown Knowledge District Development Framework initiative as part of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation. Art was also a past Vice President of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Rhode Island Chapter.

In addition, he served on the Board of Managers for the 116 Chestnut Street Condominium Association, where he helped oversee the transformation and renovation of the historic Hedison/ Champlin Building — originally built in 1888 as a Rhode Island jewelry manufacturing facility — into upscale residential artist lofts. He remained involved with the property from its inception in 1978 through retirement.

Despite the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease, Art never lost his sense of humor or warm personality. Anyone who knew him understood his remarkable ability to make others feel welcome and valued. If there were ever a true “Mr. Congeniality,” Art would have earned that title without question. His love, laughter, and memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Hope Hospice, as well as devoted caregivers Nikki and Dee, whose compassionate care allowed Art to remain at home during his final months. They also wish to thank the Hope Alzheimer’s Center in Cranston for the exceptional support and care provided to individuals living with dementia and memory disorders.

Funeral services will be held at Urquhart-Murphy Funeral Home, 800–812 Greenwich Avenue, Warwick, Rhode Island, on Monday, June 1st, 2026, at 9:00AM-11:00AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Art’s memory may be made to: Hope Alzheimer’s Center, 25 Brayton Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920, or Hope Health Hospice, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904.

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