Paul Gadigian

Paul Gadigian passed away peacefully in the morning on Saturday, July 13th, 2024, from complications of Alzheimer's disease. He was born on March 3rd, 1933 in New York City to Harry and Helen, both orphaned refugee children of the Armenian Genocide.

Paul and his elder brother David spent much of their childhood and adolescence at the Madison Square Boys Club, where they discovered their passions, particularly Paul's talent in drawing, painting, and sculpture. After attending Stuyvesant High School, Paul was the first student awarded a Sir Jacob Epstein Scholarship for his achievements and potential in his artwork: four years later received his BFA in Studio Art at Allegheny College.

After graduating in 1954, Paul married Theresa Lambiase, his wife of 64 years. With Terry's support, Paul made a modest living as a painter and was recognized as one of the Abstract Expressionists painters in the nascent movement of the New York School of Abstract Expressionism. His work remains in the permanent collections of the MoMA. The mid 60's established an American avant-garde style of expressionism that was still new in painting and propelled NYC to eclipse Paris as the center of the art world. Paul's beautiful sense of color expressionism in abstract painting was a part of this impactful time in Mid 20th Century art.

His particular talent in the use of color inspired him in what he saw as a practical application to open a studio for textile design called "The Gadfly," that employed many painters. From there, he progressed to become a VP of "Stehli Silks", a silk company originating in Switzerland where he stayed for several years managing the creation of beautiful textiles with a European quality. Later on in late 70's he became VP of a much larger corporation called "Stevens" when Polyester was sweeping American fashion. He eventually went on to be President of "Andrews Manufacturing" a New England based company which produced solely pure American cotton often for children and infant clothes. He retired in 1996. He taught art as a volunteer to 5th grade children at PS: 87 while his young granddaughter Sara attended school there in 2004-5.

While traveling extensively for work in the US and Europe, Paul always maintained his devotion to home as a family man. He was President of the Board of the Co-op where he lived for ten years. The lifestyle he enjoyed living in the Carnegie Hill neighborhood of Manhattan surrounded by his abiding interests in art and music, with summers on Fire Island and mostly the North Fork with his family, was possible from his incisive understanding of business, diligence, and, as he would say, "never missing a beat."

Prior to his death, Paul suffered the decline of Alzheimer's disease for many years. He cooperated fondly with his compassionate and skilled caregivers. Remaining self-possessed, he continued to find joy at times and was able to recognize his loving daughters Paula and Gemma, his beloved granddaughter Sara Francesca, and his son-in-law Nelson Padgett. He is survived by them, as well as his brother David and his wife Marlene, his half-brother Steven, and his adored nieces and nephews Caren Gadigian Keefe, John Gadigian and Barbara Bono. He is predeceased by his sister-in-law Joan Bono, his loving wife Terry, and his nephew Robert Gadigian, the latter two passing away in 2019.

Paul will be remembered by all who knew and loved him for his warmth, intelligence, talented creativity, and imaginative sense of humor. His dedicated kindness and true grace to the end will remain in our hearts forever.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to: The Madison Square Boys and Girls Club of New York or the Alzheimer's Association of NYC.