Oresto DiSaia
Oresto DiSaia (1900-1976) was a notable Italian-American architect from Providence, Rhode Island. He was well known as an architect of large churches, theatres and other buildings. Life and career. Oresto DiSaia was born January 22, 1900, in Providence, Rhode Island to Costanzo and Carmela (DePaola) DiSaia, recent Italian immigrants from Frosolone and Riccia, respectively. He was educated in the Providence public schools, but did not attend college. After his 1917 graduation he joined the firm of F. P. Sheldon & Son, mill architects and engineers. With the exception of a brief period with the Construction Division of  the War Department in Washington, DC during World War I, DiSaia remained with the Sheldons until 1924, when he established his own practice. DiSaia practiced alone for most of his career, but became associated with his two sons late in life. After his death, they operated the practice as DiSaia Associates. In 1946 DiSaia was appointed state Director of Public Works by Governor John O. Pastore. He served until his resignation in 1948. In 1950 he was chair of the Legislative Commission on Highway Planning, and in 1973 he was appointed to the Building Codes Standards Committee by Governor Philip  W. Noel. DiSaia joined the American Institute of Architects in 1931. He was a member for the rest of his life, excluding the years 1933 to 1937. At one time or another he held every office in the Rhode Island chapter, including president. Personal life. DiSaia was married to Eleanor Rossi, with whom he had two sons and two daughters. They lived in a house at 481 Pleasant Valley Parkway in Providence, circa 1955. His sons, Kenneth A. (1925-2009) and Robert O. (1931-2012), would become associated in his business. In addition to his professional associations, DiSaia was also  a member of several fraternal organizations. He was a member and trustee of the R. C. Church of the Holy Ghost in Providence. DiSaia died March 28, 1976, in Providence.