Sumant Krishnaswamy, 63, of Aztec, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015, in Aztec. He was born Nov. 8, 1952, in Chennai, Tamil Naou, India, to A. Krishnaswamy Aiyangar and Hema Krishnaswamy.
Sumant grew up in India, where he received a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the pretigious Indian Institute of Technology in Kanpur. After moving to the United States, he completed a doctorate in astronomy at the University of Maryland, pursuing his lifelong passion of stargazing. In 1997, he and his family moved to San Juan County for the area's beautiful night skies; he became an integral and beloved member of the San Juan College community, teaching math and science. Sumant also loved science fiction, literature and film, and was known as an inspirational influence on those around him. He will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his son, Nikhil Krishnaswamy; brother, Jayant Krishnaswamy; sisters, Chitra Rengarajan and Chandra Varma; ex-wife, Uma Krishnaswamy; and daughter-in-law, Heather Krishnaswamy.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Sumant's care is entrusted to Alternative Choice Burial and Cremation, 804 N. Dustin Ave. in Farmington, 505-325-9611. Those who wish to express their condolences may do so at serenityandcompany.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Farmington Daily Times from Jan. 6 to Jan. 13, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Sumant Krishnaswamy

Sponsored by anonymous.

26 Entries

S. Sudarsan

March 23, 2016

Sumant andn I worked in the same company facility years back. During an office chat we also came to know that we were related -- that too quite closely. Our encounters during and off work -- and with Uma and young Nikhil were fun, informative and special. After all these years, I still remember Sumant's erudition, breadth of knowledge and dignity. Uma's literary and creativity was also truly memorable. My heartfelt prayers for Sumant and condolences to Uma, Nikhil and family.

Sudarsan

March 23, 2016

Sumant and I worked

S. Sudarsan

March 23, 2016

Sumant and I worked in the same company facility in MD and became acquaintances . During the course of an office chat we came to know that we're also related -- that too quite closely! With Sumant, Uma (and Nikhil as a child doing art), our get togethers were fun and I marvelled at Sumant's erudition and broad knowledge. Uma's scholarly and literary skills were also very admirable.

I was deeply saddened to know about Sumant's passing away. My prayers for Sumant and heart felt condolences to Uma, Nikhil and family.

Virendra Singh

January 31, 2016

Sumat and I were together from 1969 - 74 at IIT Kanpur. I have great memories of my batch mate, not the least being going to the roof of our Hall of residence and gazing at stars through a reflecting telescope that he had assembled using a 3 or a 4 inch concave mirror. He was fond of strumming on my guitar and was pretty fond of sci-fi. He introduced me to Asimov through the Foundation trilogy. Extremely sad news. RIP my friend Sumant

Nicki Villasenor

January 24, 2016

Sumant, you accomplished what we all strive to accomplish; a beautiful life that extends to those around us, a life that moves the community towards a better future. You touched so many lives in so many ways, thank you for who you ARE Sumant. RIP my friend. NV

Rajesh Kher

January 23, 2016

Sumant and I go back to our undergraduate days and he was the Gandalf who encouraged the exploration of the middle earth. We shared love for radio astronomy and many a jokes too.

Uday Desai

January 22, 2016

Very sorry to hear this sad news. Sumant was my batchmate at IIT Kanpur. My deepest condolences to Sumant's family. Will miss you. RIP Sumant -- you are with the stars you loved.

Catherine Grobler

January 12, 2016

He made the complex seem simple --even when he knew when a concept went over my head. My head can't yet grasp that this dedicated educator is not joining us in the challenges of 2016. May his memory bring smiles and comfort to those of us who were blessed to know him.

Mark Everson

January 11, 2016

Sumant was such a help and encouragement to me. He helped me run a few astronomy nights at Mosaic Academy in Aztec, and was especially helpful with nature of science questions I had. I will miss seeing him on campus, but I'm sure I will see his presences in the rising sun every morning. We are all stardust, but especially Sumant.

I am so sorry for your loss, Uma and Nikhil.

Maria Socorro Valencia

January 11, 2016

He will be missed. He was an excellent and intelligent man. Anytime i needed help with stats he would be the only one who could help me. He was a very kind and honorable man. My deepest condolences to the family. I will miss this man very much.

Diana and David Ohlson/Beers

January 9, 2016

Many years ago I opened our B&B front door to a family of three, Sumant, Uma and Nikhil. The family had decided to stay with us while they began their investigation of our Farmington community. Sumant and Uma found many friends, supporters and followers for their diverse knowledge and skills. Nikhil may have been as young as six or eight when they arrived. Through the years when I would see Sumant somehow I would learn a piece of the science he loved. Nikhil was a student in one of my summer history classes at San Juan College.
Blessings to the family and to Sumant in his new ventures.

Christopher Schipper

January 9, 2016

Those occasions when I would see Sumant around campus were always a bright spot to my day. Those times when I saw him in our library were a pure joy, because Sumant was an enthusiastic and regular library user, who was always eager to talk about material in the collection. Sumant's great intellect was clear to me very quickly though I only later learned of his extensive education and scholarship. What impressed me so much about Sumant was his kind and quiet manner - always helpful, always cheerful, and always friendly. I will miss him very much.

Jane Voss

January 8, 2016

So sorry and sad to learn that Sumant is no longer with us. Nikhil, we are so sorry for your loss. He was a lovely person. Can't believe we won't be seeing him around. So sad for our community, and for his students. Clearly he made a difference in the lives of many.

Jonathan Backe

January 8, 2016

We love you Sumant. I always enjoyed your knowledge, thanks for all your help. Your spirit and character helped a lot of us with our education. You will be missed.

Leigh Irvin

January 8, 2016

I talked with Sumant several times, both as an Encore instructor (he provided guidance when I was preparing my Paranormal class) and when I was a radio host at KSJE and he helped me with astronomy matters. Sumant was a very soft-spoken, gentle man whose brilliance was woven through everything he did and said. Most importantly, he was extremely humble. He just seemed like one of those "advanced" human beings you meet from time to time who give you hope for the future of humanity. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and close friends.

Melva Yazzie

January 8, 2016

When I first met Sumant he welcomed me in to the student success center... We tutored side by side, he both challenged and supported tutoring the higher level math students... He had such a passion for everything he showed so much interest... He supported me when I started teaching... Always so positive... He gave me hope in the change of the way teaching should be... He is one person I will never forget and hope to keep his view of teachings with me, staying positive.. He will be missed... Sending prayers to his family.

Joshua Maloney

January 7, 2016

Sumant, thank you for always being quick with a smile. Thank you for your great sense of humor and nerdy jokes. Thank you for helping to make sense of the incomprehensible. But most of all, thank you for the great impact you had upon my life and the lives of countless others. I attribute much of my success to you and appreciate you with all my heart. You are sorely missed.

Jennica Peter

January 7, 2016

You'll be missed. You inspired me to ask questions and were always quick to help and return a hello. My condolences to your family. You're in our hearts, Sumant.

January 7, 2016

Sumant was so uplifting and precise. I would have not gotten through the semester without him. This semester is going to be a strange one without him. He was so much to us because he cared about us. I wish I would have gotten to know him better. I send my condolences and my respect

Marianne Mitchell

January 7, 2016

Thinking of you, Uma.

Nathan Brenner

January 7, 2016

Sumant was one of the most intelligent, sincere, and friendly men I've ever known. His passion for knowledge and science were contagious. He was always a delight to talk to and learn from. I am grateful to have known and worked with such a great person.

Pip Howard

January 7, 2016

I am sorry for your loss. Sumant will be much missed in San Juan County

Kathy Schlapp

January 6, 2016

I am sorry for your loss. Mr. Krishnaswawy was a good person.

Ashlee Begaye

January 6, 2016

Sumant was one of the smartest individuals I know! I had the pleasure of working with him for 4 years and he became a great friend. Every day he had a fun science fact that we was so passionate about. He helped so many students at SJC and was always the "go to" guy for any math or science problem. He made a great impact in the SJC community and will be greatly missed.

Jacob Hall

January 5, 2016

Sumant was such a wonderful person who helped many and was very selfless. I cannot count how many times he stayed hours after he was done with work to help myself and other students learn physics, math or other subjects. I never saw him say anything negative about another and he always had a cheerful positive attitude. When I was feeling down or doubting myself he was the first one to offer encouragement and reassurance. His love for the stars and all things related to learning was contagious. To say he will be missed would be a great understatement of his impact on all those around him. RIP Sumant and thank you for everything-

Craig Benally

January 5, 2016

Sumant was an amazing and great friend. Gonna miss him.

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