Niranjan Patel

On Tuesday, July 11, 2023, Niranjan C. Patel, 80 years old, passed away at JourneyCare Hospice Home in Barrington, Illinois surrounded by a family that loved him very much - his wife Narmada Patel, his son Mayur Patel, his daughter Bindu Patel, his daughter in law Niraja (Neeru) Reddy, his son in law Nick Bhasin, and his three grandsons, Benicio Bhasin, Nikhil Patel, and Emilio Bhasin.

Niranjan loved his family immensely, especially his wife, and found deep fulfillment in the time spent with them. His grandchildren were a particular source of joy and laughter.

He will be remembered for his smile and his sense of humor, his optimism and his kindness, and most of all, how he cherished his family and friends.

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Niranjan was born on August 20, 1942 in Gozaria (small village), Gujrat, India, the eldest of four children of the late Chhotalal A. Patel and late Shakriba C. Patel. His family moved to Mumbai when he was a baby and spent most of his young life there, returning to Gujarat for the summers to stay with extended family. His chronic asthma became worse in Mumbai, so Niranjan returned to Ahmedabad, Gujarat to finish a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry from Gujarat University.

On April 26, 1969, Niranjan wed Narmada Patel in an arranged marriage that lasted 54 years, strengthened by unwavering love and devotion.

For a chance at a better life, Niranjan borrowed some money from his cousin brother Ramanbhai Patel (son of Virchand Patel) to move to the Unites States of America on a student visa. He attended University of Ohio and later transferred to Detroit Institute of Technology for further studies in Chemistry. He arrived at JFK airport in New York City feeling alone on September 11, 1969. His cousin brother Mukund Patel picked him up from the airport and he stayed with him for a night before traveling on. After completing an additional degree in chemistry, he moved to Chicago, Illinois in 1971 where he settled and helped his extended family migrate to America while starting his own. Through this difficult journey being far away from family, he formed lifelong friendships with other recent Indian immigrants in Chicago.

Niranjan was determined to ensure that his children never endured the kind of financial difficulties he’d faced, so he and Narmada worked extremely hard around the clock, sacrificing time spent together so that their children could receive a quality education. Even after his children became adults, he remained a source of financial and emotional support, a source of great spiritual strength and perseverance. An inspiration.

After decades of hard work to support their families, Niranjan and Narmada spent the last 15 years in retirement, taking long walks together and spending time with family and friends in the Chicago area. Niranjan found joy and excitement in caring for his grandchildren, taking Nikhil to his basketball games, and traveling almost yearly to Sydney, Australia, where he and Narmada stayed with Bindu’s family for months at a time taking care of Benicio and Emilio.

Even in his later years, despite physical ailments, Niranjan led an active, social life filled with love and laughter. Niranjan delighted in caring for Mayur’s dogs Sophie and Siren (he called them both “baby”) who kept him active. He made the most of his 80 years and remains in the memories of his family and friends as a beacon of warmth and positivity.

He will be missed immensely.

OM SHANTI

Anyone would like to make a contribution in lieu of flowers, in honor of Niranjan, please donate to Lung Care Foundation that was established in 2015 as a not-for-profit organisation, dedicated for the cause of promoting “Lung Health” in India.

This foundation is significant for Niranjan and many of his family members who suffered from bronchitis, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from a young age in India.

https://lcf.org.in/

Office address :
C9/9624, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi - 110070

Registered Address :
B-4/66, 2nd Floor, Safdarjung Enclave,
New Delhi - 110029
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