Daran P. Sutaria

Encourager and Explorer

Born: May 4, 1940 (India)

Died: June 17, 2025 (USA)

Ever the engineer and project manager, Daran left an envelope for his family labeled: "Draft of Don Sutaria's Obituary - to be opened as needed”

You may be surprised to know that Daran "Don" Sutaria, a Parsee Zoroastrian, landed in the USA from Bombay, India, at age 23, on September 3, 1963, 61 years ago. He had less than $80 in his pocket, and not a soul he knew. All his life's belongings were in two suitcases purchased for the journey - one containing used books, another with clothes.

The plan was to study for a Master's degree in engineering, with money borrowed from month-to-month as a Tata Scholar. He earned his way through college as a dishwasher, food server, clown, draftsman, babysitter, soda jerk, Boy Scouts camp director, and paint salesman. Most of his dreams have been realized.

Tranquil Manhattan, Kansas gave way to the bustle and skyscrapers of Manhattan, New York when Daran began working at Pfizer followed by Schaefer Brewing,

CPC International, Hoffman-La Roche and various other engineering firms. In his second career, he was President of CareerQuest, an executive coaching firm.

It was at a Riverside Church lunch in November 1969 where he met Elizabeth, his best friend and loved, cherished wife of 54 years. A new job and arrival of their first son prompted a move from Jackson Heights, Queens to suburban New Jersey.

Don held BSEE and BSME degrees from the University of Poona (India), an MSIE degree in Industrial and Management Engineering from Kansas State University and an Industrial Engineering (Professional) degree in International Management and Personnel Relations from Columbia University.

He believes that only an immigrant can really appreciate America.

He has been a naturalized U.S. citizen for over forty years. He committed his life to Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday, March 26, 1978 at Marble Collegiate Church in New York City, during Dr. Norman Vincent Peale's sermon. God Bless America.

Daran, 85, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday June 17th, 2025.

He is survived by his wife Elizabeth, sons Norman (Wendy), Dale (Joanna) and grandsons William and Benjamin Sutaria. Also, by brother Parvez Sutaria (Meher), niece Binaifer (Erach) and their children Delnaz and Kurush in Mumbai, India. Sutaria was predeceased by his parents, Phiroz and Dina, and sister Parvin.

The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation and gratitude for the loving care of Daran’s support team: Camille Grant, Juliet Liburd, Yvette Badjue, Ryan H., Antwaun Eupha, Charise Dorisme, Jillian Neil, Jocsan Gustavino and Goulie B..

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Ramabai Mukti Mission:

https://muktimission.us/.

Online Memorial - www.tinyurl.com/DPStribute

Please join us in celebrating a life well-lived and a person well-loved.

Monday June 23rd, 2025

7 p.m. viewing

8 p.m. service

Calvary Assembly of God

242 Shunpike Rd, Springfield, NJ 07081

Point of contact: Norm Sutaria (201)401-9475

In lieu of flowers:

Please make a donation to the Ramabai Mukti Mission:

https://muktimission.us/