Joseph J Krakora

Joseph J. Krakora

April 3, 1939 – July 12, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joseph J. Krakora, a visionary storyteller, filmmaker, and devoted husband whose warmth, curiosity, and gentle spirit brought a smile to everyone he met. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word. Joe had a rare gift for making people feel seen and valued, always offering a kind word, a thoughtful observation, or a wry sense of humor. Born on April 3, 1939, in Cleveland, Ohio, Joe lived a life rich with artistic achievement, passion, and an unyielding dedication to the arts.

Those who knew Joe understood that his greatest work was not only the remarkable career he built, but the generosity, curiosity, and creativity with which he lived every day.

Joe graduated from Denison University in 1961 with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts before pursuing graduate studies at Union Theological Seminary. His education reflected a lifelong curiosity and laid the foundation for an extraordinary career dedicated to the arts, storytelling, and cultural exchange.

Joe's extraordinary career spanned decades and left an indelible mark on the world of art, film, and performance. A creative force, Joe held key leadership roles at some of the nation's most prestigious cultural institutions, including his long-standing tenure as Executive Officer of External and International Affairs at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. (1985–2014); Special Advisor to the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities (1982–1985); General Director of the Chicago City Ballet (1980–1982); Executive Vice President and Director of New Programs and Media Production at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center (1976–1980); Director of the Dance Program at the National Endowment for the Arts (1974–1976); Executive Vice President of The City Center Joffrey Ballet (1969–1974); Associate Director of Development at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (1967–1969); and, early in his career, Resident Director and Designer at the Pit and Balcony Theatre in Saginaw, Michigan (1961–1964).

Joe's brilliance as a filmmaker earned him well-deserved recognition, including two Emmy Awards: one for Masters of Illusion (1991) and another for Paul Mellon: In His Own Words (2007). His gift for capturing the soul of an artist’s vision extended to a wide range of documentary films, including Empire of the Eye: The Magic of Illusion and Vermeer: Master of Light. Joe’s talent lay in his ability to transform complex artistic concepts into visual narratives that resonated with both experts and the general public alike.

Joe had a profound love for all things Japanese—the people, the culture, and the art. This admiration was reflected not only in his work at the National Gallery of Art, where he helped bring Japanese artistic traditions to a wider audience, but also in the friendships he built and the knowledge he eagerly shared. His dedication was formally recognized when he was awarded the prestigious Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, by the Emperor of Japan.

In 2015, Joe published the children's book Yuki's Journey, inspired by the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan, with illustrations by his granddaughter, Abigayle "Abby" James.

A collector at heart, Joe also nurtured a passion for Italian mid-century lighting, carefully curating a collection that reflected his appreciation for design, craftsmanship, and beauty.

After moving to Lynchburg, Virginia, in 2018, Joe quickly and wholeheartedly embraced the city that would become his beloved home. He often said that moving to Lynchburg was one of the best decisions we ever made. Joe and Ellen were warmly welcomed by the community, and that sense of belonging meant everything to him. He immersed himself in the cultural and civic life of the city, serving on the Board of Directors of Riverviews Artspace, the Advisory and Foundation Boards of the Lynchburg Museum System, and the Board of Directors of Silent Witnesses, Inc. He was also an active member of St. John's Episcopal Church, where he served as a lay reader and on the Stewardship Committee. The natural beauty, creative energy, and kindness of the Lynchburg community had a profound impact on Joe. He found deep contentment here and was, quite simply, happy every day.

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Ellen Eames Bryant; his daughters, Deborah Krakora Johansen (Ron) of Santa Rosa, California, Nicole Lynne Krakora of Alexandria, Virginia, and Kathryn Krakora Diemedio (Dan) of The Villages, Florida; his granddaughters, Jacqueline Johansen (John Preston) of Santa Rosa, California, and Abigayle "Abby" James of Alexandria, Virginia; his great-grandchildren, Margot Preston and William Preston of Santa Rosa, California; his brother, Charles Krakora (Sally) of West Chester, Pennsylvania; his sisters, Annie Coleman (Kelley) of Gates Mills, Ohio, and Marie Painter (David) of Twinsburg, Ohio; and his ever-loyal poodle, Giotto, who remained a constant companion and source of comfort. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Jeffrey. The family would also like to express their heartfelt gratitude and love to his devoted aide, Destini Robertson.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at St. John's Episcopal Church in Lynchburg, Virginia.

Joe was rarely seen without something purple. In his memory, those attending the Celebration of Life are invited, if they wish, to wear purple or another cheerful color as we celebrate his remarkable life.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to St. John's Episcopal Church, Lynchburg, in honor of Joe's enduring legacy.

Joe's greatest masterpiece was not found in a museum, on a stage, or on film—it was the kindness, generosity, and joy he shared so freely with others. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he enriched, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family