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HENRY VIRGONA Obituary

VIRGONA--Henry "Hank." American artist and author (born October 24, 1929) died on May 23, 2019 of natural causes. He was 89. As a painter, printmaker, and Illustrator, Virgona is represented in many museums and collections including the MET, Smithsonian, Butler Institute of Art, Museum of the City of New York, NY Transit Museum, and the NYC Public Library. His commercial work was featured in many major publications including the New York Times, Harper's, and Fortune, earning him a Gold Medal from the Society of Illustrators. His studio was based in Union Square, NYC from 1960 to 2019. He had more than two dozen one-man shows including the New York Transit Museum (1992) based on his sketches of NYC subway riders and the Salmagundi Club in NYC (2018). He is the author and illustrator of the timeless political satire book, "The System Works: The Random Etchings and Notes of Hank Virgona" with an introduction by journalist Pete Hamill (DaCapo Press, New York, 1977). Virgona was the subject of the 2018 award-winning documentary "Nothing Changes: Art for Hank's Sake." He is survived by his nieces and nephews, John Virgona, Barbara and Steven Kaplowitz, Kristyanna Virgona, Maria and Bruce Barone, Christina and Mitchell Nathanson, Victoria Virgona and eight grandnieces/nephews. Virgona's art can be viewed at www.hankvirgona.com or on his Facebook and Instagram pages.

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Published by New York Times on Jun. 23, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for HENRY VIRGONA

20 Entries

Lynn V Marrapodi

June 17, 2025

I am so delighted that Legacy sent a reminder of Henry's passing today. I think of him often...

Elissa Dorfman

October 29, 2022

I asked myself, what ever happened to Hank Virgona?
Googled him and found out he past away in 2019. How shocked I was and feel so horrible.
In the early 1970's I had a studio at 41 Union Square the same building where Hank had his studio but different floor. I met him at Dorothy Kallman's party on my floor. We use to exchange art works and Hank gave me a great etching. I remember he was telling me about the Vogels and buying art work. Hank said, send the Vogels some slides and maybe they will buy. At that time, didn't follow through. After a few years moved out and married. He was at my opening in 1979 at the Collectors Gallery, NYC. Then in the 1980's ran into him at 81st Street and York Avenue and was the last time I saw him.
In 1992 went through a nasty divorce. Now when I think of it, I'm sorry we didn't get together and discuss art.
Yes, I miss a wonderful friend.

William O

June 19, 2021

My condolences to the family. You have indeed lost a treasure. This amazing man offers much knowledge and inspiration in the Prime documentary if you are open to it. I hope he is still searching for,”it.”

Camilla de Nijs

May 4, 2021

I just watched the Amazon Prime documentary: "Nothing changes: Art for Hank's sake." I think Hank was an amazing artist and a very fine man. Beautiful work from a beautiful man.

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John K. Grande

April 19, 2021

Wonderful artist wth a great heart rooted in the everyday, the life was was part of

jane chandler

January 13, 2021

Just watched the film about hank on amazon prime. He was inspring and he had found the way to live

Lynn Marrapodi

August 17, 2020

I did not know Hank, but oh how I wish I did!
I watched "Nothing Changes" last night, and will savor his work and his extraordinary persona for the rest of my life.
I live nearby his studio, and this morning I wanted to accept his invitation to "come by for a visit".
So sad that I am too late to meet him.
I am an artist who was seeking out some inspiration when I came upon Hank. I was so happy that he signed another 2 year lease...I wondered how he was managing with the pandemic.
His passion, fortitude, grace and extraordinary vibrance in his work and in his person is a remarkable tribute to this beautiful soul.

Leonard Karpen

October 21, 2019

I never knew Hank until two weeks ago when Amazon Prime told me hey watch this video. Youre a weirdo artist guy, so give it a chance. So I did and now Ive logged in about ten viewings of the film so far. I just cant get over how wonderful a person Hank was and how beautiful he created art from nothing - as if from out of the air he snatched a face, a figure, a water pitcher, a cup. All of his friends in the film were also great people and they clearly supported him in every way but he was so special and even though I didnt know him I feel as if Ive lost one of my best friends p. I sure hope some publisher puts out a book about Hank and his art. For those of us who are elderly and cant travel to museums such a book would be a treasure and let us cherish the beautiful work of this wonderful man.

Joanne Mickaelian

July 22, 2019

I just finished watching this beautiful film. I'm wowed by his work and touched by his humility. There is such beauty in the simplicity of his work. He captured humanity in quick drawings adding colors and shadows. His still life work...ordinary things, arranged to his liking...instinctively done in such a humble way, his way.
I'm grateful this film about Hank Virgona was made so we could meet him and he could share himself and his art with the world.
To family and friends, so sorry for the loss of this great person. I see him as a gentle soul with great talent. He will be missed by many people.

Lynn Blake

July 22, 2019

I too just finished watching the documentary which came highly recommended . I was heartbroken to learn that he has just passed and send my condolences to the family. What a wonderful man. A unique human being so soft so sensitive so kind and of course- an amazing artist . Can you imagine a world filled with people like Hank? It would truly be heaven.

Debra Forrester

July 22, 2019

Just watched the documentary. What an amazing life! Proof that to the truly gifted their art is a calling. A mission. A passion. I hope he passed in his studio. Surrounded by all his wonderful art.

Gemma Rosato

July 7, 2019

I just watched Hank's documentary & I'm so sorry to hear he has passed . What a treasure ! I am so grateful to the documentarians for capturing his beautiful soul & showcasing his masterful work ! I pray he is enveloped in that beautiful white soft peaceful light he loved . I will remember him always & take note of the life I see out of the corner of my eye Condolences to his family &friends. May his memory always burn bright in your hearts forever .

June 26, 2019

May his memories live on in the hearts and prayers of love ones bringing comfort as he R.I.P.

At the NYC Film Festival

Tina Virgona-Nathanson

June 25, 2019

We miss and love you so much Uncle Hank! Your personality and art will live on!!! May you rest in peace with mom, dad, and the rest of the Virgona's.

Sylvia Vivas

June 25, 2019

I am sad to say that I only discovered Hank after watching the fabulous documentary. Then, sadly, I read that he had passed away a few weeks before I had watched it. As an artist, I felt a connection with the way Hank saw the world and the way he let his art form organically. I have the feeling I will re-watch his documentary many more times and will be inspired every time I do!I hope to one day have a piece of his artwork for my own but, for now, I will continue to seek out information on his art and follow his Instagram page for glimpses of his amazing body of work. Thank you, Hank, for being an inspiration for artists everywhere! My heartfelt condolences to your friends and family.

Chris Chapin

June 24, 2019

Though I never met him in person I feel as if I knew him through his art and the love of his family as well as the magnificent documentary on his life. I am very lucky to have two of his pieces. They will be treasured forever as a remembrance of his devotion to art and life. Condolences to his family. Thank you Hank for a great legacy.

Bruce Barone

June 23, 2019

Uncle Hank was one of the greatest men that I've ever met in my life. While other men pursued a life of creating wealth Hank dedicated his life to the love of art. Thank you Uncle Hank , Love Bruce

Martha Fleischman

June 23, 2019

A gentleman and a truly lovely man who lived his life devoted to art and to friendship.

I took this back in 2010 when I went back to school for a Fine Arts degree.

Kristyanna Virgona

June 23, 2019

Uncle Hank, we are all going to miss you, you taught all of us nieces and nephew how to see Art in this world. that has helped me to become a great Photographer (like my Dad, your brother) and Artist like you. I bet you're talking up a storm with Goya, Picasso, and the rest of the famous artists.
With all my Love your niece,
Kristyanna

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