Rajendra Chokshi

Shri Rajendra Navnital Chokshi, a chemist, devoted family man, and a dual citizen of India and the United States, passed away on September 27, 2020 at the age of 87 in Chicago.

Rajendra is survived by his wife, Indumati Chokshi; his brother, Navinchandra Chokshi; his sisters, Ramaben Parikh and Ushaben Shah; his children, Dhaval and Kalpesh Chokshi; and his grandchildren, Puja, Priyam, Parth, Riti and Anuj. He is predeceased by his grandparents, Chhotalal Chunilal and Maniba Chokshi; his parents, Navnitlal and Shantaba Chokshi; and his sister, Shakuben.

Rajendra was born and raised in Virasani Pole, Vadodara, Gujarat, India on November 25, 1932. He graduated with a Masters degree in organic chemistry from MS University of Baroda and had a successful career as a chemist. He worked at one of the biggest Dyestuff manufacturers in India, Custom House Laboratory in Bombay, and Sarabhai Merck Ltd. He was a chief chemist at Gujarat State Fertilizers and Chemicals Ltd. where he was selected to undergo advanced training in Japan, France and Italy, promoted several times, published ten papers in various industry journals, and served as a fellow and consultant in institutions in the U.S. and India. He was an environmental chemist in Cleveland, Ohio where he was awarded a certificate of merit for his outstanding work.
He served in leadership positions for various community organizations: Executive Committee of Visalad Seva Samaj, Founding Member and Secretary of Lad Samaj, Vice President of Institution of Chemists (India), and Secretary and Vice President of Association of Chemical Technologists (India) where he organized international
seminars for the petrochemical industry showcasing studies on industry pollution and its effect on the environment. Rajendra was passionate about this work and continued to pursue new opportunities in his field until his final retirement at the age of 76.

Rajendra was a loving and committed grandson, son, brother, husband, father,grandfather, and great grandfather. He was an avid reader who read one book per day as a high school and college student and was a lifelong learner of history, philosophy, science and religion. As a young man he was involved in politics and followed the teachings and beliefs of Mahatma Gandhi. He maintained a disciplined devotion to yoga, prayer, and exercise throughout his life, well into his older years. Rajendra enjoyed traveling the world with his wife and visiting his sons and grandkids in Chicago and Cleveland. He will be remembered and missed dearly by the many family members and friends who knew him for his simplicity, hard work ethic, and wholesome values.

A private funeral service is scheduled for 2:00-4:00 PM CST on Tuesday, September 29th at Countryside Funeral Homes and Crematory, 950 South Bartlett Rd. (at Stearns Road), Bartlett, IL 60103. The family thanks all those who have been a part of Shri Rajendra Navnital Chokshi’s life and to honor his memory by living out his ideals of kindness, service and steadfast dedication to the people and things you care about most.

**Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a max. of 50 people will be allowed in the funeral home and masks are required.