Pankaj Jamnadas Shah, a loving husband, father and “Grandpa,” passed away February 10, 2019, at the age of 71. Born on May 29, 1947, in Ahmedabad, India, Pankaj attended Ahmedabad Science College before moving to the United States, where he studied petroleum engineering at Louisiana Tech University and Centenary College. He was a mathematics professor at Grambling State University before moving to Houston, where he met his wife Maria and raised a family while working at the City of Houston and later owning a construction company and private car service. Pankaj was a hardworking, wise, honest man and a dear friend with a generous heart, never meeting a stranger and always willing to help others in need. He loved his family dearly.
Pankaj is survived by his wife of more than 40 years, Maria Elena; son Bharat Pankaj; and daughter Teresa Duarte and husband Joseph. His final years were spent forming an inseparable bond with his pride and joy, 4-year-old grandson Gavin.
He is survived by four sisters Bharati Thekdi and husband Dinesh of Tiffin, Ohio; Bhavana Thekdi and husband Narendra of Columbus, Ohio; Panna Shah and husband Rajendra; Aruna Shah and husband Rohit; and brother Mahesh Shah and wife Prafula of Ahmedabad, India; along with numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.
Pankaj was preceded in death by his parents Jamnadas and Prasenben Shah and brother Bharat Shah.
He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Family will begin receiving friends on Saturday, February 16, 2019 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm with a funeral service to follow at 2:00 pm at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home located at 6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, Texas 77023.
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