Haridas Vakharia, 85, of Springfield, Illinois, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2025 at his home. He was born on December 24, 1939 in Bharuch, India to Krishnalal and Suman Vakharia. Haridas is survived by his wife of 57 years, whom he adored above all, Shobhana Vakharia.
Haridas is also survived by one son, Nishi (wife Kimberly) Vakharia, four grand daughters: Channing, Kennedy, Meena and Amira all of Phoenix, AZ, one sister: Nirmala Shah of Burnsville, MN, and many nieces and nephews in the United States and in India. He was preceded in death by one son, Hemal Vakharia, and a brother, Ramdas Vakharia.
Haridas moved to the United States in 1970 to begin his professional career and raise his growing family. He worked as a civil engineer for the IL Dept of transportation for 35 years. He loved to travel, and was able to travel the world, together with his beloved wife, after retirement in 2002. Haridas was always up to meeting new people, trying new things and new foods, especially new beer! He loved to play golf and loved his family abundantly and with great pride in each and every one of them. He was a respected member of the Indian community and was a former President of the India Association.
Funeral prayer services will begin at 10 am with a Pooja (Hindu prayer service). Eulogy will be given at approximately 10:45 am, with the visitation to follow. All services will be held at Bisch and Son Funeral Home in Springfield, IL until 12:00 noon.
The Celebration of Haridas’ Life will be held at Venue 1929 following the services from 2:00 - 5:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hemal H. Vakharia Scholarship Fund, c/o The Illinois Educators Credit Union, 3101 Montvale Drive, Springfield, IL 62704.
Condolences may be left at www.bischandsonfuneralhome.com.
The Vakharia family would like to extend their appreciation and gratitude to Enhabit Hospice, especially Shelly, and to those who helped care for him and mom along the way.
