Murugesu Shanmugarajah

Murugesu Shanmugarajah - of late residing at Green Hill Senior Living in West Orange, New Jersey, passed away on Saturday, October 26th at the Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, New Jersey. 

He was the beloved husband of late Sulochanadevi Shanmugarajah, father of Ram Amarnath (Indianapolis), Mano Shanmugarajah (New Jersey) and late Shan Prabhahar (New Jersey), father-in-law of Naleni Amarnath and Nalayini Shanmugarajah, and grandfather of Gururaj, Kartik, Shivaraj, and Shrinidhi.

Born in Vaddukoddai to late Sivapakiyam and late Murugesu, Shanmugarajah was one of two in his family. He was the beloved older brother of late Annaletchumy, brother-in-law of late Ponnambalam, and uncle of their children late Thilagaranee, and Gowridevi.

As a fatherless toddler, he embarked upon the journey of life at a young age. His chosen career was in the civil service, first serving in Sri Lankan diplomatic services in India and USA, and then serving in various government ministries in Sri Lanka. During his time as a civil servant, Shanmugarajah had the opportunity to explore different parts of the world and meet with world leaders, giving him a unique perspective on key moments in world history. He was also an ardent lover of Carnatic music. He thrived on opportunities, even as a bachelor, to visit Chennai in December for the music festival.

Shanmugarajah migrated to the USA with his wife in 1986, where he enjoyed his retirement as a husband, father, and grandfather. Spending quality time with family & friends, sharing stories, engaging in topical discussions ranging from current affairs to comedy to mystery novels, and spoiling his grandchildren became his new past time. Ultimately ensuring that his affinity for travel, passion for the musical arts, and intellectual curiosity of the evolving political landscapes in the US and Sri Lanka were passed down from generation to generation.

While he was able to overcome losing his youngest son Prabha in November 2022, due to his cherished partnership with his wife Sulochanadevi, losing her on October 6th was too much. Shanmugarajah joined them peacefully at rest on October 26th, a mere twenty days after. He built a beautiful tapestry over the ninety-eight years he served as the patriarch of the Shanmugarajah family. Never compromising on his humble beginnings, his life was filled with kindness, empathy, compassion, honesty, humility and integrity. May his legacy live on through his children and grandchildren.

Topic: Shanmugarajah's Funeral Services

Time: Nov 4, 2024 09:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

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Family Contact Details:

20 Mohawk Drive, Ramsey, New Jersey 07446

Ram Amarnath – (317) 605-3076

Mano Shanmugarajah (Mano Shan) – (201) 248-3765

In lieu of flowers, please send your donations to: Manitha Neyam Trust – https://www.manithaneyam.org

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