ForeverMissed
Large image

Suresh will always be remembered for his generosity, limitless energy, ever-present good nature, and love for life. Nothing brought a twinkle to his eye and smile to his lips more than seeing his friends and family. A diehard Chicago sports fan, Suresh will be cheering from high above the bleachers when the Cubs win the World Series.

August 30, 2023
August 30, 2023
Dearest Sureshbhai. We recently visited Renuben and your home in Glenview and looking around the house could not help but miss your sweet and smiling presence!
May you be at peace wherever you are in a place much happier than you were in. That is my prayer for you.
July 8, 2021
July 8, 2021
Happy birthday, Dad. This summer, you’ve been with me a lot. I can see you in the pool with us and relaxing in the backyard. You are a delighted passenger as Dara takes you on drives around town. You loved seeing Drew hit his first over the fence homer at Berens. He would have come to you first for a high five. You were giving me encouragement and tips as I ventured to start a new business. You loved the first summer home brew. We celebrated Abs’ 50th birthday together, and you gave the best speech ever about how proud of him you are. You shared stories on the back patio about growing up, starting out professionally, what it was like raising teenagers, being a Cubs fan. You have been with me through all this, and I’m so grateful for your undying love. Happy birthday, Dad!
August 30, 2020
August 30, 2020
Suresh, you would have loved the last few years of seeing Ava grow up. We talk about so many of the good times that we had with you. Anyway, thinking of you and missing your zaniness❤️
July 10, 2020
July 10, 2020
When a birthday comes around again, it is such a pleasant to recall and relive ALL the wonderful times lived and experienced together....AND I miss those special moments that we had shared...The way you would understand me...what I had meant to say...and a smiling & soothing way you would find a neat solution to the dilemma that was in the air. A detailed and thorough analysis of the subject was your specialty,resulting in a pleasant and correct way out and forward.

Your caring and loving ways left one feeling good...great... about the ongoing discussion...And the way you would have tears coming out of your eyes, when someone cracked a real good joke, was a delight to watch...!!

Hope your guidance is always available to all of us in good times as well as otherwise days...And that you are enjoying a peaceful restful time...
July 8, 2020
July 8, 2020
Dearest Sureshbhai,
Today is your birthday again! A special soul was born today and I am so glad that I had the opportunity to meet this special soul, you!
We always remember you fondly your smiling face and helpful and positive nature shall always remain with us .
With lots of love wherever you are!!
August 30, 2018
August 30, 2018
To the Sweet Memory Of Sureshbhai...
We still miss you and remember you...
You're sorely missed by family and friends...
Love,
Rohit & Mridula
July 8, 2018
July 8, 2018
Happy 80th birthday, dad! Cubs won today. You would be enjoying this season.
August 31, 2017
August 31, 2017
Hi Sureshbhai,

I am sure you are happily smiling away wherever you are, and whoever you are with at the moment. Your love for living & caring had a way of spreading it around...!! A lot of times, I think of all the times we have spent together, good times and great times...,doing so many different things in life... and that reminds of the multi faceted personality that you were blessed with...Always loving and caring...Nothing seemed impossible, when you were around...!! I have been fortunate to have learned a lot from you...We miss you...Pray that you are blessed with peace and happiness, wherever you are...
August 31, 2017
August 31, 2017
Dear Sureshbhai,
Can't believe that you are not with us .Don't worry about Renuben now she is strong enough.keep smiling wherver u are and keep helping the people.
August 30, 2017
August 30, 2017
Sureshmasa was an amazing and wonderful man. He never complained about his aches and pains. Instead he listened to everyone elses. Since I was in my teens he was a mentor to me. He would call me on a weekly basis to check if I was doing ok. He helped me through tough decisions. He was there for me whenever I needed to talk to him. In this same way he was a pillar of strenght to my parents. We will never be able to repay him for all he has done for my family. This was the man he was. I still feel his presence. Its hard to believe he is no longer on Earth with us. We love you Sureshmasa and we miss you oh so much!
August 30, 2017
August 30, 2017
Miss you Suresh. You would have loved to volunteer in Hurricane Harvey. And you would love to see how much Ava grew this year! Love, Candace
September 26, 2016
September 26, 2016
On his Last - Birthday, after wishing him, I just asked,"Where were you born? He opened up for 30 minutes to tell me his whole "Autobiography" including his grand parents, home delivery at Dhangandhra, grade & high school and college etc. as if I was doing "Regration therapy! Past "Glory" is what, we all want to die with! Parag.
September 19, 2016
September 19, 2016
We have known Suresh and Renu for over 45 years since we lived in Glenview. We left Chicago area in 1982, but, our friendship continued. We always found Suresh as a warm and gentle friend, always a great listener and a wonderful support. Whenever we visited Chicago area we always enjoyed a meal with him whether at Lou Malnattis or at a friends home or at a wedding and looked forward to our next visit with both Renu & Suresh. Last time we were together was at Tanvi's wedding when we spent an entire evening together and left there with such wonderful glow in our hearts of our friendship. Of course we'll miss him, but, we understand that death is a part of living, and our bodies die but the Atman or Chetana is everlasting. With Divine Grace we'll meet the gentle soul again somewhere, sometime in this Universe. Renu and the boys, your loss will be the heaviest, but, I know you are prepared spiritually with the right attitude for such events and have the depth of understanding to retain the sweet fragrance of his time amongst us without coloring it with sorrow. We wish we could have joined you for today's celebration but my ability to travel is much more limited. However, we'll raise a glass to toast him and our everlasting friendship. Please do not hesitate to come and spend a few days with us to reminisce about Suresh and our friendship. Our prayers are with the entire community of friends and relatives who have a heavy heart with his loss.
September 16, 2016
September 16, 2016
Dear Sureshmama,
What a lovely life you have lived with a beautiful smile all the time & you will be missed forever. Your Beautiful family & all relatives & friends will miss you.
Every time Smita & I think about you & Mami, we always think about beautiful time spent together either in Long Island, NY or in Chicago.
I remember, first time we were together in Long Island we talked about our love for seafood & went for a seafood dinner. What a lovely evening it was, memories.
Mama, we will miss you forever. May God grant you an eternal peace.
Love you, Parimal & Smita
September 13, 2016
September 13, 2016
Suresh was not only responsible for meaningful extension of my career, he was a wonderful human being, attentive and caring, and forever an unwavering diplomat able to resolve disputes amicably whether internal or external. My professional background at the time of hire was not in parking structures. While I had limited exposure to that aspect of design, Suresh immediately saw value what I could bring to the company. I am forever grateful to him for letting me learn not only technical but also human aspects of relationships. Until his retirement, he was the guide forming me as an engineer and a human understanding and respecting those around me whether their points of view matched or differed from mine. He would always raise the mood in my part of the office when he showed up before or after retirement. He will be sorely missed.
September 12, 2016
September 12, 2016
Suresh was a extremely smart engineer and manager. My first contact with Suresh was when he invited me for an interview, he greeted me and introduced himself and started the conversation unrelated to the job. His calm demeanor and politeness made me feel at ease. He slowly transitioned to job related questions and right away I read this as a man having superb managerial skills. Like me, he worked in a precast plant and this brought the connection a little closer. I was so impressed with his experience in precast parking industry that I decided this job will be the right one much before the interview ended. Suresh had the unique ability to sense if someone is going through a rough time whether in the job or in personal life. He was a man with extreme patience and even during heated moments at work he remained calm and composed. He had the knack for solving employee's work related issues with minimal intervention and strict privacy. He was superb in solving any kind of crisis. He was always mentoring and motivating employees to do their best. He developed the Chicago office to be a successful and highly respected parking consulting company in the mid-west. I learned he has donated his body for medical research and did not want a funeral, wake, or a memorial service. He wanted to contribute to humanity even after his death and this speaks volumes about Suresh as a human being. He was a mentor to me and I genuinely miss him. I pray for his family. May his soul rest in peace.
September 11, 2016
September 11, 2016
I have been so impressed by Suresh 's since I found him very kind and helpful to me whenever I could not drive long distance , He would do the best to find the solution . After my husband's death Suresh and Renu both helped me either to Botanical garden or to the Temple . He always accompanied with Renu in all our good times and difficult times.He has been a role model to us.May God keep him in peace.
September 5, 2016
September 5, 2016
I am proud to say that Suresh was a mentor and an inspiration. He showed me how an engineer and a man should carry himself through both triumphant and difficult times. For those of us fortunate to have learned from him at DESMAN or Conrad, we can only hope to carry on in his footprints. My sympathies to Suresh's family through this difficult time.
September 4, 2016
September 4, 2016
From John Fujiwara. I got the sad news of Suresh's passing while in PV,MX. We are all sadden by his lost, but appreciate knowing him and enjoying our time together with him. Your partner in life and your father was a special person. He had a kindness and caring heart that had a calming effect on those around him. And he had tremendous patienace to listen and care about other people's problems. Suresh was the one that others reached out for when they had a problem to discuss privately. He gave them advice and help them solve something they should of already known,without imtimadation. They trusted him. This is a gift of giving, which describes Suresh. He was appoachable and comforting. You knew he had your best interest in mind. He and I spent many hours alone driving to and from the Chicago office. We discussed many subjects, including his beloved Chicago Cubs. Abhi and Apoor, you were his pride and joy! You both made your mother and father  proud. I often reminded and praised him for the wonderful job that he and Renu have done in rasing and guiding both of you on your journey through life. And you are blessed to have such a caring father and forunate to have Renu as your mother. Your children are her blessing and now her life. She is very wise, sensitive and kind loving soul that your families have the privilege to share your lives with. Take good care of her for your father. She is in good hands! I will be thinking of all of on 9/18 and be with you in spirit.
September 3, 2016
September 3, 2016
Dearest Sureshbhai,was more my friend than a brother in law!!
He had a way with people to always make them feel welcome!
I have known him since the time he came along with my husband,Bharat to meet me at my home in Mbai.
I do not remember being particularly friendly,as I did not appreciate being judged by strangers,but as was his style he watched and observed quietly and unobtrusively.
A thorough gentleman and a kind,loving soul,a person with a zest for life and a deep involvement with all that came in his path,a willingness to touch and be touched by lives.
Through all these years of my marriage and ever since I have known him he has remained my friend,loving and nonjudgemental.
He has always been there for me from picking and dropping me to airports,to walking shoulder to shoulder with my two sons who both had the good fortune of knowing him and spending time with him in the USA where they went to study.
I shall always miss his sweet encouraging presence and blessings.
Love you Sureshbhai where ever you are, you deserve nothing but the BEST.
September 3, 2016
September 3, 2016
Apoor, my friend for life, do you remember when we moved furniture downtown with your dad? In the midst of the move, I was overcome with sadness at my own father's illness... Suresh recognized this pain and, with such gentle and compassionate strength, he comforted me at that moment with surrogate fatherly love... That was beautiful and genuine. And, it seems, from other posts that I have read, Suresh had a habit of such kindness. That spirit is never lost.
September 2, 2016
September 2, 2016
Suresh was a great friend and a support. I always enjoyed his company and talking to him. He was soft spoken and a very pleasant personality.
His memory will always remain with me. May peace be with him..
September 2, 2016
September 2, 2016
My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.  Suresh worked with my dad (Howard May) for many years and he and Jean always speak about Suresh and Renu with the utmost warmth and respect. I remember his smile and twinkle in his eyes and will never forget a delicious Indian meal they prepared for our family many years ago. You were lucky to have him in your life and he leaves such a wonderful example of how to live life with integrity and kindness.
September 1, 2016
September 1, 2016
The tribute was added by kirtikumar Shah on 1st September 2016.
"Rest in Peace. Sureshbhai.I cannot forget your guidance in all my difficult time. I will always remember you.
September 1, 2016
September 1, 2016
Rest in Peace, Dad. Love you always. Thanks for showing us how to live!
September 1, 2016
September 1, 2016
Suresh was amongst the top of my close friends with him whom I have shared many events and endless conversations sharing thoughts and humor. He had a very hearty laugh which I will miss. He will remain in my thoughts forever. Rest in peace.
September 1, 2016
September 1, 2016
We will always remember Sureshmasa as a gentle personality who was quick to find humor in things, someone keeping us focused on the good or the fun. "We can't control everything so just enjoy and be happy!" And those are important words for all of us to live by. Adeeti, Arjun, Neelam and I had the pleasure of spending quality time with Sureshmasa along with Renumasi in April, and we are so very grateful for that. May his Soul be liberated from the bondages of our society and be ever free with true happiness and bliss. Our love and pranam to the entire Gami family.
September 1, 2016
September 1, 2016
Suresh kaka you were our rock .thanks for continuously being a source of unconditional love and support.we will cherish your memories always.RIP
September 1, 2016
September 1, 2016
Rest in peace Kaka. Our heartiest condolence to Renukaki, Abhi, Apoor and all family members. His ever smiling face will be missed. With personal regards.
September 1, 2016
September 1, 2016
At one point in my life (being a rebel college kid)I thought Suresh saw me a project to make sure I did well in life. And then after a few lunches over the years and him always checking on me. I realized i wasn't just a project. He honestly cared. Took me a while to figure that out. I had known him 95% of my life and never understood the whole "Desman family" until him.  So thank you for caring enough to pull me aside and take some time to help me make some decisions in life!
Paul Panicali
September 1, 2016
September 1, 2016
Rest in peace Suresh. Our heartfelt condolence to Renu and family. Suresh had the most impact in my professional life and was my mentor. I try to model after him in dealing with people.
September 1, 2016
September 1, 2016
We knew Suresh since the day he came to meet Renu in Surat and were in love with him, His gentle ways to handle tough situations, his skill to sooth our ruffled feathers has won our hearts, his advise was always solid and practicle.Whatever he used to do, he will do after thurough detail work. Suresh was confidant of Minati and soother to Manish, His memories , fruit of his advise will always be with us. We will always remember his smile . He has always supported Renu's hobby of music and yoga . He always caressed her sensitivity and took care of children and family. It was always a pleasure to hear his voice on the phone. Rest in peace Suresh, Prabhu charno maa, and continue your good journey onward.
September 1, 2016
September 1, 2016
My love to you, Suresh- you will be forever remembered from my days with you and dear Renu didi. Life is so short, and I will always remember your laughter and sense of humor and the time we all shared together while I was passing through my final year of graduate school. May you rest in Peace with the Divine always.
September 1, 2016
September 1, 2016
My deepest prayers for departed soul, May Sureshbhai's soul rest in peace & may God bless him in his further Journey towards light
September 1, 2016
September 1, 2016
I didn't know him that much cauze I was in India and they were here.But I heard so much about him.My father was telling him nicest person.I heard that he has very good sense of humor and caring husband.so I had a respect on him.But two months ago ,in June ,I met him personally.that was my daughter's engagement party.and I find him way away then what I heard about him.I don't have a word to describe him.By writing this I visualize him in cafeteria,parking lot,in lobby with smiling face .He was an unique person .Lakhome ek.Rest in Peace Sureshbhai.

Leave a Tribute

Light a Candle
Lay a Flower
Leave a Note
 
Recent Tributes
August 30, 2023
August 30, 2023
Dearest Sureshbhai. We recently visited Renuben and your home in Glenview and looking around the house could not help but miss your sweet and smiling presence!
May you be at peace wherever you are in a place much happier than you were in. That is my prayer for you.
July 8, 2021
July 8, 2021
Happy birthday, Dad. This summer, you’ve been with me a lot. I can see you in the pool with us and relaxing in the backyard. You are a delighted passenger as Dara takes you on drives around town. You loved seeing Drew hit his first over the fence homer at Berens. He would have come to you first for a high five. You were giving me encouragement and tips as I ventured to start a new business. You loved the first summer home brew. We celebrated Abs’ 50th birthday together, and you gave the best speech ever about how proud of him you are. You shared stories on the back patio about growing up, starting out professionally, what it was like raising teenagers, being a Cubs fan. You have been with me through all this, and I’m so grateful for your undying love. Happy birthday, Dad!
August 30, 2020
August 30, 2020
Suresh, you would have loved the last few years of seeing Ava grow up. We talk about so many of the good times that we had with you. Anyway, thinking of you and missing your zaniness❤️
Recent stories

In memory of my brother ( in law ), Sureshbhai...

September 10, 2016

My mind gets filled up with so many sweet memories of Sureshbhai, as I shared some of them here.

A gem of a human being, Sureshbhai was a genuine, loving, caring, wonderful noble soul, who was always there for you, when needed, with a smiling face.

He was there for me to witness almost every important milestone in my life...as my elder brother...as my friendly guide and philosopher. Blessed with a very kind and helpful nature, he advised me take up architecture in 1968; helped me with the process of getting admission to Master's program at U of I, Champaign as well as getting set up there, just as both he and Renu did again for Rutvan in 2012 in Philadelphia at U Penn, and once again for Ananya in 2014 in Lafayette at Purdue University...!!

He helped with getting an interview with SOM, Chicago, which boosted my career tremendously.

Sureshbhai, my best ever Teacher:

On my very first day in USA, he explained to me why this place remains very clean and peaceful. He not only taught me how to drive in US "correctly" as per the book, but also gave me his car !! He was as stickler for punctuality and following rules. I also learnt from him how to walk in downtown Chicago quickly thru short cuts and comfortably in tough cold weather by walking thru buildings, wherever he knew was possible ! All these " little " tips used to amuse me in the beginning, but I soon realized their due importance from the way he would teach.

Creating the Magic of making the other " trustworthy " !

As far back as in 1968, he trusted me, a 15-year old kid then, with taking care of his expensive big red Impala car, which he had imported to India, while he left India to work in USA. He has always placed full faith in me since then, with small and not-so-small things.

He let me handle organizing of the first ever big music show by a famous Indian star singer in US, Mr. Mohammad Rafi, in 1977. Watching Renu and Sureshbhai deliver graciously the opening speech to a 4,000 plus audience at Uptown Theater had brought tears of satisfaction and happiness in my eyes.

His Helpful Nature:

Their home was always a home for me and my family, where I stayed for more than 3 years with wonderful memories. I saw him help out many newcomers to USA during their initial period, a tradition that he continued from Madison, Wisconsin days.

Enjoying Life:

We did many things together....made and enjoyed delicious tea in the early mornings; cleaned out snow and even ice; enjoyed the rides in the train to downtown and back....for years. I was playing catch up, even with my long strides, as he used to walk very fast. We played racquetball, watched football games, the nitty gritty of which he taught me in great detail and with much enthusiasm, as was his nature. Relishing food from all over the world was a passion with him. Some of my fondest memories are of our enjoying the Ravinia Festivals Shows year after year.

Sureshbhai, the avid traveller:

He drove all the way to Florida via Smokey Mountains in 1976 with my mother and father, with whom he enjoyed a wonderful relationship. Later on in life, I was fortunate in having his company during quite a few trips together, each one etching out pleasant memories in my heart. 

He would invariably take every guest, especially visiting from India, to his alma mater, University of Wisconsin, and also to The Baha'i Temple in Chicago, a philosophy that he deeply believed in and respected a lot.

Our fun travels include the one with family to Las Vegas; a cruise trip to Greek Islands;  to Austria and Switzerland. Our walks at dawn time on the topmost deck of the ship shall remain an unforgettable experience.

Everywhere we went, he would join in enthusiastically and cheerfully, like the young-at-heart man that he has always been !! During his trip to India in2013, we managed to visit all his ancestral places, where his roots were...Bhavnagar, Palitana, Rajkot....meeting his old school and college mates, sharing with us the memories of the places, where he was born and lived during his early years. I am really thankful to the Almighty for having made this possible, as it meant so much to him.

And finally, in his last trip to India in 2014 to attend Rutvan & Eshita's marriage, he became an integral part of every function....at Rohtak, Bhopal, Bombay and Surat, with full involvement, even under adverse weather and travel issues. Presence of Apoor, Lisa, Dara and Drew added tremendously to his joy, as it allowed him to caringly look after them. He put on head gears and dresses to suit every function, danced at every opportunity...By the way, he was a very stylish dancer of garba and raas. He mingled with all the family members and guests freely, who remember him as a very fine gentleman.

Basically a " People's Person ", he loved to live life to the hilt. In 2015, even with my fractured foot, he took me to watch a Bears game in Chicago, and also walked all the way with me in a fundraiser marathon in Elmhurst !!

A gentle soul with a lot of compassion in his heart, Sureshbhai deserves the very best, and I am sure that he is on his way in his final journey to a very calm and peaceful resting place.

Ohm Shanti.....Shanti....Shanti....

Bharat Sheth

The Anchor of Gami family in America

September 4, 2016

I met Sureshkaka in 1977, when he visited me in Cambridge MA during one of his work related trips.  He took the time to tour the campus with me and was basically thrilled to see another Gami in the US.  We spent many hours discussing whereabouts of various family members in the US as well as in India.  His eyes lit up when I told him how proud everyone was about his accomplishments and especially the news about his parents.  I had the good fortune to get to know his parents – Shantilaldada and Maniba - while I lived in Ahmedabad.      

Soon after completing my graduate studies, I visited him in Chicago and met the rest of the family.  When Abhi and Apoor found out that my name was Bharat, they were a bit amused and said, “How nice!  We know this name very well.”  They were referring to their mama - Bharat Sheth - who was living with them at the time.  During the next four years, I lived in Iowa and became a visiting member of the family.  I joined them from time to time to enjoy great company, laughter and musical performances by Renukaki. 

Sureshkaka has been a constant source of inspiration, wise counsel and friendship over the years.  He was truly an anchor of the family and will always be recognized as the first immigrant from Gami family to settle in the United States. 

In the words of Bhagvada Gita, “Bījaṁ māṁ sarva-bhūtānāṁ viddhi pārtha sanātanam.”  [BG. 7.10]  In describing the presence of God in everything and every living being, Krishna says that, “I am the seed – bijam - in every living being.  While the body changes constantly, this seed or soul remains – sanatanam - eternal.”  I salute this eternal soul and pray that it continues to shine the light of wisdom and good fortune upon all of us. 

Suresh as a father in law

September 1, 2016

Suresh was a good guy.  These comments are illustrative of what we all know, and more.  He was kind, generous, an equal opportunity person-- someone that looked at the inside and not the title, skin color, or sex.  

I want to share my relationship/view.  He was funny.  He would laugh at me, himself, and anything else that struck him as funny.  He was not afraid of risks.  He joined Ava and I on ski trip when he was 70 and decided on the spot he wanted to learn to ski.  It didn't go well.  The Rockies at 70 were too much.  But he tried and he was honest.  He gave it a go.  How many people would even try?  How many do you know that would say "no" instead of “why not?"

He was feisty. We debated everything from politics (well that is sort of a lie, we agreed), to sports (I was always right, baseball is stupid), to where he was going to live when he “got old.”  That escalated.  I recall it vividly and have laughed with Abhi about it several times since.  Suresh was visiting us in NJ and told me he was going to live with us when he got old.  I said that would never happen.  He ignored me and said he was planning on it.  I told him I am not Indian and I am definitely not housing anyone.  We were nearly shouting.  Back and forth.  I stomped off to the kitchen where Abhi was just giggling and brought us some beers.  We were fine.  No hard feelings, no ruffled feathers.  Just a beer.  We would bait Renu and she would take it.  Arguing about moving downtown or anything else Suresh had cooked up.  He would bait me.  Fun!  I would bait him.  I actually went to an Angels game and bought a t-shirt while he and Abhi went to a Cubs game.  I met up with them later with my new shirt on…! 

We talked a lot.  We spent hours chatting and drinking a beer or wine.  I heard so many stories and learned many secrets.  The secrets were great.  We would laugh.  I wish he was still here.  It was nice to speak with him.  It was great to seem him play with Ava or one of our rotties.  Or find a new sushi restaurant to try.

I would say Rest In Peace, but he would know that is not authentic; too saccharine for our banter.  So I say ‘rock it like you mean it, skinny dip in heaven or come back as an Olympic skier.’ 



 

Invite others to Suresh's website:

Invite by email

Post to your timeline