Rembrandt L. Primiano

CHINA – Rembrandt L. Primiano, Rem to those who knew him, and somehow, everyone knew him, passed away at the age of 81, leaving behind a legacy built on family, craftsmanship, and a sense of humor that was, as his children will tell you, very much an acquired taste. His love of the ocean and beach brought him joy, peace and calm.

Born in New York City on Oct. 18, 1944, to Alfred J. and Lena (Cembrola) Primiano, Rem was the youngest of six children, arriving a full 21 years after his oldest brother Fred, and eight years after the next youngest. He came of age in the city’s vibrant energy, graduating from Bryant High School before attending City College of New York. It didn’t take long for the world to discover what his family already knew: Rem could talk to anyone. That natural warmth and gregarious spirit led him to a career in sales, eventually with Nestlé Corporation, a path that would change the course of his family’s life in the best possible way.

As a child and into his teens Rem would be found in Warren, Rhode Island, and those were the days he lived his best life. Along the banks of the Warren River, young Rem and his lifelong friend Sparkie made the most of every sun-soaked season, chasing adventure wherever the water led them. Those summers left their mark: a deep love of water, a restless spirit, and the kind of friendship that last a lifetime no matter what paths each take.

In the 1970’s, Nestlé offered Rem a transfer, and without hesitation and a sense of adventure, he moved his young family out of New York City and pointed them toward Maine. They put down roots in China, on the shores of China Lake, and that lake house became his dream, one that Martha lovingly embraced and supported.

When circumstances called for a change of plans, Rem and Martha didn’t miss a beat. They opened The Tile and Wallpaper Emporium and Primiano Tile Company, with Martha running the store and bringing her eye for design, and Rem handling installation and custom design work. He ran that business for over 40 years. He was slow, his customers learned, but what he left behind was something else entirely: old-world craftsmanship, built to last, laid with care and quiet pride.

Rem never met a stranger. From the checkout line to the neighbor’s driveway, no one was safe from a conversation, a fact his children can confirm with a mix of affection and good-natured exasperation. His quick wit and offbeat humor weren’t for everyone, but for those who got it, there was nothing quite like it.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Martha; his son Christopher and his wife Brenda of Weymouth, Mass., and their children, Joshua and his wife Sarah – whose son Anthony carries on the family name in San Antonio, Texas – AJ (Andrew James) of Weymouth, Mass., and Jordan of Weymouth, Mass.; his daughter Suzanne Primiano and her husband Mark Liakas of Palermo, and their family, Aaron, Valerie and their daughter Aria; his daughter Michele Spencer and her husband Steve of Austin, Texas, and their children, Aaron and Mandy; and his siblings, Alfred Primiano Jr. and Richard Primiano and his wife Joan; sister-in-law Pamela Hogan; and many nieces and nephews. And of course, his beloved cat, Onyx.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred J. Primiano Sr. and Lena Primiano; his brothers, Hugo Primiano and Warren Primiano; and his sister Marie Mercurio.

Rem spent 50 years on China Lake, and those who knew him will always picture him there, unhurried, in his element, and probably talking to someone he’d just met. However, the ocean was where he found true peace and serenity. He loved the waves, sand, and even the seagulls as they attacked his sandwich, it was his “happy place”. Next time you are on the beach, think of Rem.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 12 p.m., noon, at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME 04330, where a period of visitation will begin at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at China Village Extension Cemetery, Neck Road, China. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared by visiting http://www.plummerfh.com.