Dr. Rajendra K Aggarwal

Dr. Rajendra Aggarwal, a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, dedicated physician, and quiet pillar of strength for everyone who knew him, passed away peacefully at his home in Dayton, Ohio, on June 14, 2025. He was 82 years old.

Born on May 1, 1943, in the village of Salala, located in Jalandhar District, Punjab, India, Rajendra came from humble beginnings. He was the youngest of three brothers who remained deeply connected throughout their lives. They supported and cared for one another through every chapter, never wavering in their bond. He grew up in a household where resources were few, but dreams were never small. Rajendra often studied by the glow of a kerosene lamp, determined to carve out a life that could lift his family. That determination never left him. It was the steady current that carried him through every chapter of his life.

Rajendra’s brilliance and drive led him to Government Medical College in Amritsar, where he trained as a surgeon. When he graduated, he told his father to close his small shop because he would provide for the family from then on. And he did. That quiet promise of love and responsibility was one he carried for the rest of his life.

Rajendra traveled from Nangal to Hissar to meet his prospective wife. When he missed the last bus home, her family welcomed him to stay the night. By the time breakfast was over the next morning, he knew he wanted to marry her, and marriage arrangements were made that very day. They wed on November 29, 1968, and together built a life filled with deep love, sacrifice, and shared hopes. With the births of their children Sonu, Nalini, and Shalini, their purpose was complete. They were each other’s compass, and family became their greatest joy.

In search of a better future for his children, Rajendra made the courageous decision to move to the United States. Though already a practicing surgeon in India, he humbly restarted his medical career from the beginning, passing his U.S. medical boards and starting a neurosurgery residency in Cincinnati. When he realized that the long path would delay his ability to provide for his family, he made another sacrifice by switching to family medicine so he could begin working sooner and be there for them.

He completed his residency at the VA in Dayton and went on to build a successful private practice. His workdays were long, often 12 to 14 hours, but he never complained. His waiting room was always full of patients, often chaotic with the steady flow of those seeking his care. Yet, through it all, Rajendra maintained a calm presence. His patients loved him not only for his skill but for his genuine compassion. His children spent summers helping at his office, quietly observing the respect and warmth he inspired.

Beyond medicine, Rajendra believed deeply in giving back. Together with his brothers Roshan and Pawan, he founded a scholarship in their hometown in India, helping countless students pursue education and hope just as he once had.

He was also a dreamer. While still a resident, he bought a five-acre plot of land in Sugarcreek Township, a bold move on a modest salary. Years later, that land became the family’s home, a place filled with laughter, gatherings, and the kind of memories that never fade.

Seventeen years ago, Rajendra faced the greatest sorrow of his life with the passing of his beloved wife, Shyam Lata. He honored her memory with quiet strength, carrying forward their shared dreams and devoting himself fully to his children and grandchildren Marissa, Sarah, Seth, and Natalie. He never missed a moment: every soccer game, gymnastics meet, lacrosse game, cross-country race, and cheer competition. No matter how he felt, he showed up with pride, love, and unwavering support.

Rajendra retired at 74 but never stopped living fully. He took long walks, read voraciously, revisited favorite films, and cherished time with his family. He was happiest when surrounded by their laughter and stories. Medicine had been his passion, but love for his family, community, and roots was the true thread that bound his life together.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Shyam Lata, his parents Chetram and Lilawati Aggarwal, his brother Roshan Aggarwal, his nephew Rajesh Aggarwal, and his sister-in-law Raj Kumari Aggarwal. He is survived by his brother Pawan Aggarwal; his children Sonu (Trusha), Nalini (Jason), and Shalini (Jon); his grandchildren Marissa, Sarah, Seth, and Natalie; his long-time companion Stacey Cantrell; and a large extended family who loved and admired him.

Dr. Rajendra Aggarwal will be remembered for his quiet courage, deep humility, and the way he always put others before himself. His life was a testament to the power of love, perseverance, and quiet sacrifice. His legacy lives on in the lives he nurtured, the patients he healed, and the family he so dearly cherished.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Rajendra's memory may be made to Hindu Temple of Dayton 45431, 2615 Temple Lane, Beavercreek, Ohio 45431, https://shorturl.at/ZjsP5