Brij Mohan Bharteey

Brij Mohan Bharteey, 93, of Lincolnwood, IL passed away peacefully of natural causes on October 17, 2025. He was born on May 1, 1932, in Gwalior, India to Mr. Laxmi Narayan Shrivastava and Ms. Baijanta Bai Varma.

Brij graduated with honors from India Institute of Technology (IIT) in Pilani, India with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Brij had a distinguished career at BHEL in India and was selected for special work assignments in Germany and Russia before immigrating with his family to the USA in May 1972. Brij was fluent in English, Hindi, Urdu, Russian and German.

After arriving in USA, Brij worked for Westinghouse Electric in Chicago, IL and Fayetteville, NC. Brij was the mastermind behind development of a new motor control center where he earned 15 US patents. The patents and technology are unchanged and still in use today; the motor control center in Jurassic Park 1 is Brij’s design.

Even after achieving success and rising through the ranks at Westinghouse, Brij wasn’t finished dreaming, so, in 1986, he started his own company, Spectrum Technologies, Inc. located in Schenectady, NY. The company focused on qualifying and providing equipment for nuclear power plants. Brij’s accomplishments were recognized by local politicians and civic leaders since the company was bringing jobs into a depressed area.

Brij sold Spectrum Technologies in 2007, and it should be noted that Spectrum’s successors are thriving and continuing Brij’s legacy.

Brij was a Rotarian and an avid boater. He was a member of the Crescent Boat Club in Half Moon, NY and Burnham Yacht Club in Chicago, IL. He was also an active and proud member of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. Brij named all of his boats Baijanta in honor of his mother.

Brij was an avid dog (and animal) lover and carried the following pets in his heart: Lizzy, Purnima, Sharad (immigrated to the USA with family), Raja, and Chandi.

Brij was filled with an indescribable magic that he used to create laughter and joy in others’ hearts. He was generous, magnetic, joyful, determined, erudite, entrepreneurial, affectionate, and laughed easily. Most importantly, he taught those around him how to relish every single moment life had to offer.

Whenever others would learn about Brij’s life and experiences, they would encourage him to write his autobiography, so, at age 92, he did exactly that. The book will be published in the near future.

Brij is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Shobha Bharteey, his cherished children Pavan (Lori) Bharteey, Swati (John) Bharteey-Buck and, his adoring granddaughter Dylan, his beloved siblings Madhur (Kum Kum), Saroj, and Shashi (Denise) and many other loving extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings Mrs. Sharda Shrivastava, Mrs. Saraswati Varnma, Dr. Shyam Mohan Shrivastava, Dr. Savitri Shrivastava.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to American Heart Association Why Give | American Heart Association or to the Shambala Preserve, sanctuary for big cats (lions, tigers, etc.) The Shambala Preserve presented by The Roar Foundation.

A celebration of Brij’s life will be held on Saturday, November 1st from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Drake and Son Funeral Home, 5303 North Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625. Eulogies will delivered at 5PM.

Fond memories of Brij may be expressed at www.drakeandsonfuneralhome.com