Virendra Manilal Desai

Virendra Manilal Desai of Owings Mills, MD, passed away on Sunday, November 29, 2015, at his residence. He was 72. Virendra was born on June 30, 1943 in Jhalod, India and was the son of the late Manilal and Nirmalaben Desai.  He married Aruna in June of 1966 and within months moved to the United States. Two years later, Arunaben joined him and they settled in Baltimore where they raised their two children, Meena and Sanjay. Virendra was the first in his family to come to the United States. He and Arunaben then sponsored and supported many of their brothers and sisters to join them.

Those close to Virendra know how strongly he believed in education. Despite speaking little English and knowing no one, he came to the US to provide a better future for his family. He studied mechanical engineering in Baroda and earned a scholarship for his Master’s Degree at Oklahoma State University. He enjoyed a long career as an industrial engineer working for GM, for the State, and for over 20 years at the Maryland Cup Corporation.

Virendra was always active. He exercised daily, played in a Sunday volleyball league, and took pride in beating everyone at table tennis and tennis. Most of all he loved time with his family, particularly as the “Dada” for his

grandchildren and Jeevan, the family dog. His grandaughters Reeya and Anika have fond memories of him driving them to camps and stopping by after work every week with a dozen chocolate chip cookies. His grandsons Kelan, Shaan, and Navin enjoyed playing board games with their Dada and helping him around the house. They were blessed to live close by and see Dada often.

Virendra was uniquely inspiring for all those privileged to spend time with him. His peaceful nature was his greatest strength. He taught us, by example, how to appreciate the pure and simple joys in life. His generosity was

limitless and he led his life always deciding what was best for everyone else and never what was best for him. Above all, his spirituality guided him and touched the lives everyone he met. We aspire every day to be more like Virendra. He was one our world’s great souls and we feel blessed he shared the time he had with us.

He is survived by his beloved wife Arunaben Desai; his children Meena Amin and Sanjay Desai; and his grandchildren Reeya, Kelan, Anika, Shaan and Navin.