A well-known local developer and philanthropist has passed away.

According to a paid obituary today in the Press & Sun-Bulletin, Ara Kradjian of Endwell passed away February 3 after a fight against Brain Cancer.  He was 84.

Kradjian, along with his father and cousins led Karajian Properties, Bates Troy Laundry and Dry Cleaning and developed projects like the Metro Center Mall, the Holiday Inn-SUNY and Vestal Steak House.

Bob Joseph/WNBF News
Bob Joseph/WNBF News
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The son of immigrants who escaped the Turkish genocide of the Armenians in 1917 also helped create the Binghamton Chamber of Commerce Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Kradjian was a strong supporter of the arts, including the Binghamton Philharmonic, Tri Cities Opera and the restoration of the Goodwill Theatre in Johnson City, a project that is being led by his wife of 30 years, Naima Karajian.

Funeral Services will be Friday, February 9 at 11 a.m. at Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church on Main Street, Binghamton.  Family will receive friends Thursday, February 8 at J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home on Main Street, Binghamton from 4 to 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Goodwill Theatre Inc., 67 Broad Street, Johnson City, New York 13790.

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