Janakray M. Patel

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Janakray Mansukhbhai Patel

Jai Shree Swaninarayan

Janakray M. Patel, or J.M, pronounced “Gem”, as his wife called him, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 19, 2025, in the USA, aged 92.

Janakray was born on August 19, 1932 in Mwanza, Tanzania to Mansukhbhai Narsinhbhai Patel. He was one of 6 children, having 2 older brothers and 3 sisters, 2 of which survive him. He and his siblings had a very tough upbringing as their barrister father died when they were just little children.  The mother having to return to India, died soon after. Their widowed grand-kaki, Zaverba, raised all six siblings in challenging circumstances.  With many sacrifices made, especially by the eldest brother Mahendrabhai,and eldest sister Sushilaben, they were raised and educated.

Our father, Janakray, studied at Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat, India, near Karamsad(his ancestral village), where he got his degree in Civil Engineering. He married Madhuben Patel in 1961 and returned to Tanzania, to work as Assistant Town Engineer for the city of Dar es Salaam. Later he was employed as Town Engineer for the city of Mufulira, Zambia, where he worked for almost 15 years and met the President of Zambia He led a very fulfilling life there, with evening card parties, get- togethers with close friends, outdoor picnics – all of which he absolutely loved.  He was known for his love of good food, for which he had my mother to thank, accompanied by bellyfuls of laughter.  He also travelled a lot, to Mauritius, and the UK, visited many European cities, and drove around Zambia. He really loved his life in Africa and made lifelong friends there.

He was known to be very generous with his money and financially helped various people including his family members and chosen social causes; he helped a young man with eye surgery, the Theosophy Society, and individuals who needed help a job. He was a regular attendee of the Swadhya Movement (An organisation that promotes social and spiritual upliftment).

In 1983, Janakray moved to the United States, to Laurel, Maryland. He continued in civil engineering, and was justly proud of helping build the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. And to everyone’s amazement he worked until the age of 82. He helped many others find a job in civil engineering, making grateful friends in the process.  Even after retiring, he continued to lead a very active life regularly visiting the Laurel Senior Center, where he was much loved and recognised as the center’s oldest active member. He loved swimming and playing bridge and exercised there, building friendships along the way.

He leaves behind memories of a life few of his peers can say they have had. We remember his love of chocolates and ice cream; laughing at the english series ‘Dad’s Army’, ocean dipping, and his utmost thrill at becoming a grandfather and great grandfather.  He devoted many years to spiritual growth, actively participating in the Swaminarayan Sanstha, other Hindu Sampradaya, and was fortunate and blessed to meet Pramukh Swamiji, Hariprasad Swamiji and his mentor Madhav Priyadasji. In honour of his mother, Savitaben, he donated money to Karamsad Hospital.

We remember, with gratefulness, his late deceased elder siblings: Mahendrabhai Patel and Hasmukhbhai Patel, and sister Sushilaben Patel, whose efforts and sacrifices made possible the future our father had.

We would also like to recognise the unwavering support of our brother Viswas, ‘Tony’, and my mother, who unfailingly loved and fed and attended his bedside during the last few weeks. Our cousin Kirtibhai and his wife Minabhabi, and our dear Jayshreeben, who were there throughout.  We have so much gratitude for your love and your relationship with our father.

With utmost respect and our love: wife Madhuben Patel; sisters Saroj Patel, Pushpa Patel and her husband “C.B” Patel; daughter Sima Patel and her husband Jatin Patel; sons Visvas Patel (Fed Govt supervisor), Dr. Belur Patel and his wife Lisa Patel; grandchildren Tanvi Newton and her husband Jack Newton, Riya Patel, his other granddaughter Shawnia Ward; and great grandchild Shay Newton.

Jai Swaminarayan.

Please join us virtually for the funeral service will be livestreamed .