Ranchhod "Roy" Desai

Ranchhod Narotam Desai, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 1st, 2024, surrounded by a lot of love. Born on April 10th, 1942, in Ruva (Bharampore), a village in Gujarat, India he was a man of steadfast determination and a heart full of love for anyone he met. His inquisitive mind and mechanical spirit led him to pursue higher education, though fate had other plans. It was in the fields, however, that he cultivated the values of hard work and resilience that would shape his life.

He married Revaben Patel in 1965 and together they built a beautiful family with three children, 2 daughters and 1 son. In 1974, he traveled alone with his entrepreneurial spirit to Panama, Central America where he learned Spanish and worked tirelessly as a taxi driver. Despite being far from home, he never lost sight of his dreams and the love for his family.

Away from his family, he faced challenges and homesickness with courage. He carried the one and only picture of his family in his pocket that fueled his determination. In 1978, he reunited with his beloved wife, Reva, and they moved to the United States. Like a beautifully wrapped Christmas present, he reunited with his three children on Christmas Eve in New York in 1984. In 1987, he became a proud grandfather for the first time, and then again six more times. He was always eager to share stories, play games, and offer words of wisdom to his grandchildren.

There is so much more to share about his journey. He was known for his infectious laughter, his quick wit, and his kind heart. He was a beacon of strength and love. His love for his family was unwavering. He had a unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life. If you had the pleasure of meeting him and sharing laughs with him, we want you to know he cherished being in your presence. We love you, dada, and hope you continue to bless all of your family from up above. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed, but his memory will forever be a source of strength and inspiration. Rest in paradise.