Arturo James Quartaro, 78, of Escondido, Calif. and formerly of Warren and Bristol, died Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012.

Born in Bristol on Jan. 15, 1936, he was the son of the late Joseph P. (Kid Hope) and Josephine Quartaro.

A Navy veteran, he joined during the Korean War. Mr. Quartaro had many talents and was an artist of renown who had many pieces on display at Hollywood and Vine in Los Angeles. He had many songs published and a book of poetry, "The Drifting Poet." His songs were played on Jim Grimaldi Country Showcase on station O.W.N. in Escondido.

There was nothing Mr. Quartaro couldn't tackle or do. He played many instruments with skill and traveled the world, working in carnivals. His father owned the Little Rhody Shoes and was a journalist for the Bristol Phoenix for 25 years.

Arturo's best friend (who he never met) was Hank Williams, who he talked to about music many times. In his book, he introduced his poems as follows:

"I'm just like an express train, rolling around the line. I express myself inside my song or in a poem with rhyme. But no under understands me or even will, I guess, like a train without a station, an ever "drift" express.

He also wrote a poem called "Franklin Street," dedicated to his sister Louise, that will always be cherished.

Mr. Quartaro leaves his wife Linda, three sons and a daughter in California; and his sister, Louise Fortin of Warren.  He also had many friends here and will be sadly missed. He was the brother of the late Robert Quartaro of California and Bernard Quartaro of Providence.