Obituary of Kim Charles Cragnolin

On November 28, 2021 the world lost a huge personality with the passing of Kim Charles Cragnolin, 75, Aesthete businessman. Born in Elmira, NY, however, Kim’s true roots began in Northern Italy as the son of second-generation Europeans, LeRoy and Elvira “Jerri” (Streza) Cragnolin. Raised as a “thinker" with a family lineage of artists; it came to no surprise that Kim’s first love was the power of creation. 

Throughout Kim’s life he found purpose in creating, whether through his career in creative design, painting or leaving behind laughter and storytelling wherever he went. Kim truly left an impression on this Earth. 

Growing up in Tarrytown, NY, he was a 1963 graduate of Irvington High School. After High School, Kim attended Colgate University. During his higher education, he studied abroad in Europe, where he first experienced how diverse and vast our world really is. He received multiple scholarships and achievements, one in particular being the first Colgate graduate to receive a double major in both French and English. Kim later earned his Master’s Degree from NYU. A single word to describe Kim’s  appreciation for traveling, art and enjoying life’s abundance would be extravagant.

After graduation, Kim enjoyed his time working in New York City as a Gallery Director and then a Creative Director. Today’s modern photoshop has nothing on his original illustration and retouching talents! Kim lived front and center throughout the golden age of the Ad Men and also saw the collapse of the business due to the computer age. While working in NYC he met a bright and witty editor, Janet Balbi, who became his wife and best friend of 47 years. She became the love of his life along with the beautiful family they created together. 

Every New Yorker at one point or another leaves Manhattan for the suburbs, the Cragnolin family planted their roots in Hempstead, NY when they expanded their family in 1977. For 40 years they made countless memories in their family home; raising 4 beautiful children, hosting countless friends and parties, coaching baseball, leading Boy Scouts, and always appreciating the moments. 

Kim was the proud owner of Photo Dye Chrome and Fab-U-color. And when it was time to retire completely, his family moved upstate to a beautiful home with acres—something city folks aren’t used to. Kim and Janet have enjoyed making new friends and experiences upstate for the last 4 years. 

There are never enough words to explain the story of life, especially as we write and condense the unique and spectacular life of Kim Cragnolin in obituary format. But in this moment we reflect on how much Kim loved his family and how grateful he was for the life he created. Kim wishes everyone “sweet roasted chestnuts, fine wines and looks forward to traveling on through the streams and forests to heaven’s gates, and will forever smile down upon his loved ones.”

To continue Kim’s legacy is his wife, Janet Cragnolin; children, Darel (Jessica) Cragnolin, Peter (Melanie) Cragnolin, Karl Cragnolin and Cara Lynn Cragnolin; cherished grandchildren, Carolena, Clara June and Dylan Roy Cragnolin; siblings, Karin (Michael) Lally and Kyler Cragnolin; as well as extended family and great friends. 

Calling hours will be held at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd. on Thursday, December 2nd,  from 2 to 4 PM. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 4 PM.

Online condolences at glenvillefuneralhome.com