Sham Lal Chadha

With deep sorrow and reverence, the Chadha family announces the peaceful passing of Sham Lal Chadha on January 26, 2026. Born on August 1, 1946, in Kanpur, India, Sham lived a life guided by dharma, integrity, and devotion to both his family and his work.

He was the beloved son of the late Shri Krishan Gopal Chadha and Shrimati Dharam Vati Chadha, and the devoted husband of Usha Sawhney Chadha. He is lovingly remembered by his children, Dr. Punit Chadha and Dr. Tina Bunch, and their respective spouses, Dr. Anu Chadha and Dr. Kenneth Bunch. His legacy continues through his cherished grandchildren, Ishaan, Alina, Sehra, Kira, and Laila, who were the light of his later years. He is also survived by his sister, Kushima Anand, and is preceded in death by his brother, Romesh Chadha, and sister, Rani Bhasin.

As a graduate of the highly prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Sham had an incredibly brilliant mathematical mind. He parlayed his intelligence into a degree in chemical engineering, starting his career at Engineers India Limited. In 1981, with his wife and two young children, he immigrated to the US, landing a job at Bechtel Corporation after finding an open house advertisement for recruits in Houston, Texas. Over his three decades at Bechtel Group, he rose through numerous leadership roles, culminating as Chief Engineer for the Pipeline Business Unit. He traveled to Algeria, Colombia, Japan, and throughout the US to ensure proper execution of his designs and drawings. His technical insight, mentorship, and visionary contributions were so profound that Bechtel Energy Headquarters named its engineering library in his honor, a rare recognition of his brilliance, humility, and lasting impact.

His ultimate source of pride was providing his children with a life of purpose and meaning, selling his vacation time year after year to get them through undergraduate and medical school at Northwestern University.

Sham’s last few years were burdened by vascular dementia after he suffered a massive stroke in October 2018. His wife, Usha, displayed incredible fortitude in managing his health for the last seven and a half years, overseeing his medications, medical equipment, and ensuring that he had constant one-on-one care throughout those years. Her unwavering concern for him was physically and emotionally challenging, but she strove tirelessly to guarantee he received the best possible care. For the last three years, his live-in caretaker, Bahadur, offered Usha a helping hand throughout the tough days and nights. Sham contracted pneumonia in January 2026, spending his last few days in the comfort of his home with hospice care. He passed peacefully with his children, wife, and caretaker by his side.

In keeping with Hindu tradition, prayers and rituals will be held to honor his soul’s journey toward moksha, eternal peace, and unity with the Divine. While his achievements were many, his true legacy lies in the grace, dignity, and selfless love with which he moved through the world.

Om Shanti Shanti Om