Hemant H. Shah

Some people build businesses. Others build communities. Hemant Shah built both.

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of our beloved husband, father, Dada, brother, and friend, Hemant Shah, on July 14, 2026. Born August 27, 1943, he married the love of his life, Saroj, in February 1966 and came to America the following year with limited English and determination.

A civil engineer by profession, Hemant began selling Indian groceries from his garage. That small effort grew into International Foods, Louisiana’s first Indian grocery store, now serving the community for more than fifty years. To him, it was never only a business. It was a place where people found familiar food, friendship, and belonging.

Family came first in everything he did. He helped his brothers and sisters come to America, supported them as they built their lives, and remained devoted to his children and grandchildren. From a young age, he was always a giver, even when he had little. He helped relatives, friends, strangers, and children without hesitation, and he was humble enough to apologize quickly when he knew he was wrong.

Guided by the teachings of Shrimad Rajchandra, Hemant believed kindness and generosity were life’s greatest wealth. His final act reflected the way he lived: giving his body to science so that others might learn and benefit.

To his grandchildren, he was proudly Dada. His love, faith, humor, and generosity will live on through his family, his community, and every life he touched.

A Memorial Gathering will be held at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans, Louisiana, on Sunday, July 19, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

A Memorial Ceremony and Sharing of Memories will follow from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm, with livestream available at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c2607399477917

To view and sign the family online guestbook and share your memories of Hemant, please visit lakelawnmetairie.com