Dilip Kumar Ray

Dilip Kumar Ray was born in 1947 in Calcutta, India. He lived a remarkable life marked by academic excellence, professional achievements, artistic creativity, an adventurous spirit and a deep love for family and friends.

Dilip graduated in Mechanical Engineering from Jadavpur University, Calcutta, and subsequently earned his Master’s degree from the prestigious Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore.

In 1979, he moved to the United States to further his education, earning a second Master’s degree from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. His passion for learning continued throughout his life, and while working, he pursued further studies in Artificial Intelligence at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He shared his knowledge with others by teaching engineering courses for 6 1/2 years at ASU, MCC and GCC.

In 1987, Dilip married Shapna in Calcutta, India, beginning a beautiful journey of love, companionship and shared experiences. Together, they built a life filled with cherished memories, mutual understanding and enduring affection.

Professionally, Dilip was a highly accomplished engineer and a registered Professional Engineer in both California and Arizona. He dedicated 26 years of his career to Garrett, AlliedSignal and Honeywell, earning respect for his expertise, dedication and contributions to the engineering profession.

One of Dilip’s greatest passions was running full marathons. A dedicated and enthusiastic marathon runner, he participated in races around the world, including Dublin, Rome, Kona, San Diego (twice) and New York. His love for marathon running reflected his extraordinary determination, discipline, perseverance and adventurous spirit.

Dilip also possessed a wonderful artistic and creative side. He loved writing poetry, painting and sketching, expressing his thoughts, imagination and appreciation of beauty through words and art. His creative pursuits revealed a thoughtful and sensitive personality, complementing his analytical mind as an engineer.

Beyond these passions, Dilip enjoyed tennis, squash, racquetball, swimming and hiking. He was an avid sports enthusiast who particularly enjoyed watching tennis. Dilip loved travelling and exploring different cultures. His adventurous spirit and determination were evident in his passion for marathon running. In 2025, he achieved a remarkable milestone by qualifying for the prestigious Boston Marathon under the visually impaired category. This extraordinary accomplishment reflected his resilience, perseverance and unwavering determination to overcome challenges and pursue his dreams.

Those who knew Dilip will remember him for his intelligence, kindness, generosity, warmth and wonderful sense of humour. He enjoyed meaningful conversations, sharing laughter and spending time with family and friends.

Above all, Dilip was a loving and devoted husband to Shapna, with whom he shared nearly four decades of marriage and countless treasured memories.

Dilip’s life was a beautiful blend of intellect, creativity, determination, adventure and love. Whether through his engineering achievements, marathon journeys, poetry or artwork, he leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Forever in our hearts. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti