Nathan K. Milgrim

Nathan K. Milgrim, of Kingston, father, grandfather, lifelong artist and world traveler, passed away early Wednesday at the Kingston Hospital following a long illness. He was 87.

The son of the late Samuel and Miriam Milgrim, Nathan was born in the Bronx August 10, 1931, grew up in Mt. Vernon and was predeceased by two siblings, Donald Milgrim (who was killed in Italy during World War II) and Myrna Marvin.

Nathan graduated from Syracuse University in 1953 with a major in business administration and art history. After college, he joined the family-owned Providence Import Co. in New York City, which went on to become the nation’s leading importer of area rugs. While initially focused on sales to major retail chains, he ultimately concentrated on rug design and quality control with overseas manufacturers and was recognized in the 1980s by Rug News Magazine as the top area-rug designer in the country. More recently, he spent most of his time as a prolific water-colorist active in the region’s visual arts community. His paintings remain on display in countless locations throughout Ulster and Dutchess counties.
Throughout his careers he gained the most joy traveling and nourishing close friendships around the world where he gained partial fluency in multiple languages including Japanese, French, and Flemish (through his adopted second home in Belgium).

He was married to the now late Dolores (Laura) Reina, of Kingston, and is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, John and Michele Milgrim, grandchildren Kira, Nina and Sara Milgrim, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A visitation will be held at the Simpson-Gaus Funeral Home at 411 Albany Avenue in Kingston on Monday, November 12, 2018 from 6 to 8 PM. There will be a private memorial service to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks contributions in Nathan’s memory be made to the Arts Society of Kingston.

Online condolences may be left for the family of Nathan by visiting www.simpsongaus.com