Salvatore Scarpitta, trained as an architect, created portraits and collaborated on architectural designs in New York and Los Angeles.
His work was on display in Hollywood movies and is in museums and public buildings around the country.
Along with his artistic accomplishments, as a detainee in Italy during World War II, he and his family won commendations from the U.S. and British governments for their work to help more than 600 military personnel from both countries to escape to Allied lines.
