Honor Ara Kradjian’s Legacy

Senate Resolution No. 3799 BY: Senator AKSHAR MOURNING the death of Ara Kradjian, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great State of New York; and WHEREAS, Ara Kradjian of Endwell, New York, died at the age of 84 on Saturday, February 3, 2018, surrounded by his loving family; he was 84; and WHEREAS, Born on June 27, 1933, in Binghamton, New York, Ara Kradjian was the son of Kenneth and Haigouhi Kradjian, who passed down to him an indomitable spirit of perseverance, strong work ethic, deep love of community, and abiding gratitude for the opportunities he received growing up in the United States; and WHEREAS, After graduating from Binghamton Central High School, Ara Kradjian earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business, where he served in the ROTC, played football, and was president of the University's chapter of the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity for two years; and WHEREAS, From 1955 to 1957, Ara Kradjian served as a Lieutenant with the United States Naval Construction Battalion, better known as Seabees, and was tasked with building weather stations in the Caribbean and Antarctica; and WHEREAS, Ara Kradjian then returned to Binghamton, where he joined his father and cousins in the family businesses at Kradjian Properties and Bates Troy Laundry and Dry Cleaning; and WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious career, Ara Kradjian was instrumental in developing numerous local real estate projects with Kradjian Properties, including the Metrocenter Mall, the Holiday Inn-SUNY, and the Vestal Steakhouse; and WHEREAS, In addition, he led efforts to expand and transform Bates Troy into a leading healthcare linen service; and WHEREAS, Ara Kradjian loved working with his family, including his son, Brian, who joined him in the family businesses in 2001, and his many employees and colleagues who became like family; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his community, Ara Kradjian was actively engaged in community civic and social life; he served on the Board of Directors of Banker's Trust Bank; was a member of the UHS Foundation; was a founding member of the Harper Forum and the Pigskin Club; and helped create the Binghamton Chamber of Commerce Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Arena Club; and WHEREAS, A devoted member of the Armenian community and church, Ara Kradjian was a generous philanthropist who founded scholarships at Binghamton University and the University of Pennsylvania; he also supported many local arts organizations, including First Night Binghamton, Tri Cities Opera, and the Binghamton Philharmonic, as well as individual artists; furthermore, he was a strong supporter of the Goodwill Theatre in Johnson City; and WHEREAS, Ara Kradjian was an avid horse enthusiast, hunter, outdoorsman, sports fan, tennis player, and wine lover; he was happiest riding a horse, watching the races at Saratoga or Del Mar, skiing and fishing with his sons, walking in the woods with his dog, or sharing a delicious meal with family and friends; and WHEREAS, A man who truly lived life to the fullest, Ara Kradjian's immense sense of humor, booming voice, and infectious laugh will be deeply missed by all of those lucky enough to have known him; and WHEREAS, Ara Kradjian is survived by his wife of 30 years, Naima; two sons, Eric and Brian (Anahit); one granddaughter, Jordan; sisters and brothers-in-law, Alice and Henri Janian, Astrid Dadourian and Diane and Dr. Lewis Robinson; cousins, Diran and Socie Kradjian; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Nena Bloomquist and James Farrell; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family; he is predeceased by his first wife, Sophie; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of compassion, Ara Kradjian leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of Ara Kradjian, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Ara Kradjian.