Obituary of Rameshchandra Kantilal Mehta

On June 23rd, 2024, Ramesh Mehta, a hardworking and dedicated son, brother,  husband, father, and grandfather passed away at the age of eighty-eight. He was born on May 7th, 1936 to parents Kantilalbhai and Kanchanben Mehta. He was born in Dhari, Gujarat to an ambitious and loving family. Ramesh was the second oldest of six brothers and one sister.  Ramesh’s father’s job with the British government required his family to move around, ultimately settling in Amreli, Gujarat.

At the age of fifteen, Ramesh's family moved to Mumbai; near his maternal uncles, who were professionals ranging from engineers to doctors. Ramesh was very close to his eldest uncle, who they affectionately called “Chunimama''. After completing high school, Ramesh began working at a prestigious company named Ratilal and Sons. The company owners recognized Ramesh’s intellect and quick math skills, promoting him to a bookkeeping position. While Ramesh worked full time, he started studying at H.R. College in Churchgate, Mumbai. Ramesh had long days, leaving his home in the early morning and returning late at night. Ramesh often said, “For many years, I have not seen the sunrise or sunset in Vile Parle.” Ramesh’s hard work paid off upon receiving his degree from Bombay University. 

In 1968, Ramesh married Jayshree Mehta, a young woman from Mahuva, Gujarat. Ramesh’s wife, Jayshree, moved into his parent’s home with his younger siblings. With a degree in his hand, Ramesh was able to secure a job as a bank manager for Saurashtra Bank, located in Flora Fountain, Mumbai. In 1970, Ramesh and Jayshree gave birth to a healthy baby boy named Amish. Two years later, they gave birth to a lovely baby girl, Purnima.   After the birth of his two children, Ramesh applied to a university in the United States to pursue a higher degree. Ramesh and a close friend were accepted to Fort Hays State University (FHSU) in Kansas. Ramesh took a sabbatical from his bank and moved to Hays, Kansas. Ramesh rented a unit in a house with three other Indian students. Ramesh experienced his first snow in the hills of Kansas.

After finishing his degree, Ramesh returned to India. After a short period, Ramesh moved with his wife and two children to Brooklyn, New York where his brother, Dhiren, lived. Ramesh started working at Dhiren’s boutique, Apsara in Manhattan. Shortly after, Dhiren moved to California, leaving the boutique to Ramesh. A few years later, Ramesh’s wife gave birth to her youngest child, Rakesh while staying with family in California. Ramesh remained back to maintain the store.  

Being a cricket fan in India, Ramesh added his passion for the sport to baseball. He was a die hard New York Yankees fan and followed them closely.. Ramesh’s favorite person to share his love for the New York Yankees was his youngest son, Rakesh.  Ramesh was always hopeful and had faith that the Yankees would make it to the championships every season. 

Eventually, Ramesh sold Apsara Boutique and decided to pursue opportunities in Queens, New York. Ramesh and a partner opened a stationery store in Astoria, Queens. The family moved to Forest Hills, Queens. The business faced many challenges, including the rising popularity of chain stores. A drawback in health persuaded Ramesh to sell the store in the year 2000. Selling the store and retiring early enabled Ramesh to grow closer to his children and wife. In retirement, Ramesh was a man of routine and enjoyed going to the Queens Borough Senior Center in Flushing New York. He thought highly of the coordinator Trupti Bhatt and met Subhadraben Khatri, whom he considered as an older sister. 

Ramesh always saw the good in others and had a forgiving nature and a happy demeanor in life.  He did not ‘sweat the small stuff’. Ramesh was devoted to his faith and he knew his parents were watching over him.  Every day Ramesh read two chapters from the Bhagavad Gita before having his breakfast. He always showed his respect for his parents by bowing to their photo that he would keep next to his Gita book. One of the most important things in Ramesh’s life was his family. He was a devoted husband and father, and every decision he made was for the betterment of his children’s lives. Ramesh taught his children the importance of hard work, dedication, and achievement of your goals. Ramesh raised three extremely ambitious children who are well educated, successful in their careers and demonstrate commitment to family.