Celebrating the Life of
Arvind Paranjpe
March 22, 1942 — December 10, 2023
Obituary
Arvind Paranjpe, of Murrysville, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away in Tavares, FL on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023. He left this world surrounded by loved ones, leaving a legacy of caring, kindness, humor. Arvind’s life was a story of accomplishments and adventure, born in 1942, growing up in Shivaji Park (Mumbai), graduating from Indian Institute of Technology Bombay and coming to the U.S. in 1967 for an M.S. in Industrial Engineering at UC Berkeley.
Professionally, Arvind worked through progressively responsible positions in railroad products at Abex Corporation to become President of Denison Hydraulics North America. Arvind next served as CEO of Triplex-Lloyd, a London-based diversified industrial products company. Coming to Pittsburgh in 1991, Arvind established a strategic planning consulting practice, and chaired CEO and key executive peer groups for Vistage International.
After retiring, Arvind continued to provide business assistance via SCORE Westmoreland. Arvind developed a love of jazz growing up in India, and a deep appreciation of contemporary music while at Berkeley. Arvind enjoyed traveling all over the world with his family, including many trips to Stratford Ontario and Edinburgh Scotland for their annual theater festivals. Although he grew up without pets, Arvind loved living ‘at the farm’ with Betsy since 1992 with an assortment of farm animals and pets. Arvind’s sense of humor and love of puns carried through to his last days. He was a very thoughtful and loving person, devoted to his family and friends, and committed to his clients.
Arvind is survived by his loving wife Betsy Aiken, his children Kiran Paranjpe (Tonnie Markley) of New Paltz, NY; Anjelika Paranjpe Temple (David Temple) of Mill Valley, CA; Maureen Kelly of Friendship, PA; grandchildren Ravi and Kavir Paranjpe, and Anokhi and Indira Paranjpe-Temple; his former wife Asha Paranjpe Williams, and nephew Nitin Jatekar, nieces Nandita Sheorey and Nandita Pearce, and their families.
A memorial may be held at a later date.
Memories and Condolences
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Arvind Paranjpe, a native of Mumbai, educated at Cal Berkeley, world-traveler, denizen of urban jazz haunts, confidant & facilitator of Captains of Industry across the land, became the most-unlikely farm hand Export will ever know. Diane & I are forever enriched by our proximity to the exemplary character of our closest neighbor, whose purpose in life was to help others, at which he was most successful. It will be a toss-up between his common-sense solutions and his groan-inducing puns that we will miss most. A life most well-done; may Arvind now Rest in Peace.
Thought I'd share a poem written by Arvind's father Gangadhar Paranjpe, in the late 1920s. I know Dad was elated to find his father's book of poems, entitled "Rare Moments" and shared it with many of us a few years ago.
The five of us. Feel so fortunate that all five of us were together in Florida when my dad passed away. Truly surrounded by loved ones during his last days, sharing memories, listening to music, and even making puns all the way until the end. There was happiness and humor and levity in our life in the hospital, along with the sadness that comes with the weight of his passing. This photo was taken a couple years ago and brings me so much joy to see all of us gathered at Kiran's home in New Paltz to celebrate my daughter Indira's 2nd birthday.
I remember when my "Uncle Arvind" moved to Pittsburgh. I did not know him well prior to that point, but he soon became one of my favorite relatives. Uncle Arvind taught me how to parallel park, and was the first person to introduce me to jazz. Years later, Uncle Arvind visited with me when I was at UC Berkeley, sharing stories with me about his time there. He was on his way to the Monterey Jazz Festival. If I had known that I would become the jazz fan that I am now (thanks, Uncle Arvind), I would've hitched a ride with him that day. Miss you, Uncle Arvind. A deep sadness fills me when I think about how life got so busy, and the many years since I saw you. Just know that I will carry you with me to every Newport and Monterey, and the impact you had on my life. Love you always, Uncle Arvind.
October 2023 at the Farm ❤️
Had the pleasure of meeting this fine man when his son married my niece and the couple gave him two of his treasured grandchildren. The opportunity to read his recollections of his earlier life were so uplifting and a true insight to a life well lived and a deep and beautiful soul. Godspeed friend.
This video of Dad singing "Strangers in the Night" with my delighted daughter Anokhi tucked snugly beside him is one I've been playing on repeat over the past week. Sharing here so others can enjoy. His love of Sinatra stayed with him through to his last days, and will continue on through all of us. Music, family, and his sense of humor come through beautifully in this short clip. Love you Dad.
Dad loved his family and he loved riding the railroad. He would take Amtrak from from Pennsylvania to NYC for a quick visit telling us all about the train ride and logistics to/from the train stations. We always loved having him visit and spend time with his grandsons. He will be missed but always remembered and loved.
Anjelika, Kiran, Maureen, Betsy and family, I was so incredibly sad to hear of Arvind’s passing. I was a huge fan of him, from the moment my dad introduced us. He was many things, but I remember him best as an amazing, fun-loving and gentle soul! I’m comforted to hear that you were all by his side, as painful as that may have been. I will miss him dearly. Sending everyone in your family all my love and hugs.
I am so sorry about Arvind but what a gift that you all were there this week. The Spotify reveal, the cast of characters, the delusion and clarity, memories of travel and the farm, go with it because, as others have said, the grief is forever but part of an unfolding of love that’s also forever. We love you so much. Lean into us, your family, Tam Valley, we’re here for you.
Anj and fam, sending you so much love and a big, tight hug. So glad you got to have this week and what sounds like some truly classic and beautiful moments with your dad. Arv was an absolute joy and I’m so grateful for the time we all got to spend with him. He was seriously was so sweet and down and silly every single time I saw him for 20 years…like, no pretenses, just a genuine kind soul who loved his people so much. This one is gonna hurt for a long long time, forever really, but all those memories really do make a huge difference and grief can also be profound appreciation and love for the time you had. I love you so much and know this will be up and down and hard as hell. We’re always here for you, now and forevs my friend! Sending love to the fam and gonna pump some Beatles in your dad's honor.
Here’s to Arvind! What a legend! And what a testament to his character and your family’s closeness that he was surrounded by such immense love as he passed. I can only hope to go in a such a peaceful and loving way one day. We’re here to support and love you through this next phase. Love you.
Anjelika, Kiran, Betsy, Maureen, and family, I am heartbroken to hear of Arvind's passing. I am so, so sorry for your loss. It was a small consolation to see the picture of you all together with him at the end of his life. You can see the love for his family on his face. Please know I am thinking of you, and sending my love. Alli
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