Obituary of Lalaji S. Deshbandhu

Dr. Lalaji S. Deshbandhu, 78, of Sewell, N.J. passed away on Sunday, July 11, 2010, following an extended illness. Dr. Deshbandhu was born in India, attended the highly prestigious Benares Hindu University and was on the faculty of Patna University in Bihar India. He came to the United States in 1967 as a Fulbright and Smithmund Scholar to study at the University of Pennsylvania. He completed his M. A. in English Literature from the University of Pennsylvania and his Ph.D. from Temple University. After completing his education, Dr. Deshbandhu joined the faculty of Gloucester County College in Sewell, N.J. During his 37 years at Gloucester County College, he became a full Professor and the President of the Faculty Association. Upon his retirement from the College in 2009, he was honored with the Citizens Award in "recognition of Service to the College and Community". Dr. Deshbandhu was also awarded a certificate of Appreciation by the New Jersey Education Association for "his dedicated service as an esteemed faculty member, an impassioned NJEA advocate and a vocal supporter for the rights of all GCC faculty and Staff." Dr. Deshbandhu was a respected member and leader of the Indian Community and was the founder and longtime President of the India Association of Southern New Jersey. Dr. Deshbandhu is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Hanshi Deshbandhu, who recently retired from The Friends School in Mullica Hill, N.J. where she spent almost 40 years as a teacher and administrator. He is also survived by his adoring family including his two daughters, Anu and Arun, his two sons-in-law, Ali and Roy, and four grandchildren, Eliza, Dylan, Alexandra and Arianna. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Services at The Leroy P. Wooster Funeral Home, 441 White Horse Pike, Atco, NJ 08004 on Wednesday, July 14. A viewing and visitation will be held from 12:30 - 2:30 PM followed by a Hindu Ceremony and cremation. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Dr. Deshbandhu's memory to The Gloucester County College Lalaji S. Deshbandhu Scholarship Fund. Please make the donations to The Gloucester County College Foundation and send to the College at 1400 Tanyard Road, Sewell, NJ 08080. Donations can also be made to The Abramson Cancer Center of The University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia PA 19103.