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.