Raj Kumar Chopra

It is with sadness and gratitude for a life so fully lived, we share the news that the beloved chairman and co-founder of Tishcon Corporation, Raj K. Chopra, took his last breath peacefully, surrounded by love, on Friday, February 13th, 2026 at his home in Westbury, New York.

Raj K. Chopra was a leading figure in the vitamin and health foods industries, and a luminary in the world of coenzyme Q10. In 1976, Raj co-founded Tishcon Corporation, a manufacturer of nutritional supplements, vitamins, and nutraceuticals, for which he coined the tagline, "only nature has had more experience with vitamins."

Raj was a true pioneer, from the innovative products he developed to his unique leadership style. His groundbreaking development of a superior delivery system for coenzyme Q10, a patented, hydrosoluble formulation, benefits millions around the world. His emphasis on improving the bioavailability and delivery of essential nutrients raised the bar in the industry. Raj was often quoted as saying "we don't want vitamins that simply enrich the toilet bowls!" - hence, his interest in pharmacokinetics and commitment to designing delivery systems to optimize absorption.

Raj was born in Lahore, Punjab in pre-partition India, in 1940. At the age of six, during the Partition of 1947, Raj and his family fled from their home, becoming refugees, eventually settling in Delhi, India, where they began a new life. These challenging beginnings and the subsequent capacity to face adversity, adapt to new environments and circumstances, to think creatively, problem-solve, build connections, work tirelessly, and begin again, are among the qualities that Raj exemplified throughout his life.

From his early days, Raj's schooling and career were replete with accolades. He completed his undergraduate studies at L.M. College of Pharmacy in Ahmedabad, Gujarat in 1965 where he received the Gold Medal for Outstanding Academic Merit and University First Rank. Upon receiving a full scholarship to Columbia University's College of Pharmacy, Raj left India with eight dollars in his pocket, a suitcase in hand, and not knowing a single person in the United States, arrived on NYC soil. Raj completed his graduate studies in industrial pharmacy at Columbia and went on to become one of the world's experts in chewable multivitamin formulations, timed-release formulations, and bio-enhanced supplements.

In 2006, the American College of Nutrition honored Raj as the 2006 Industry Recipient of the prestigious Bieber Award in recognition of "his outstanding academic accomplishments and distinguished contributions in the nutrition industry." In the early 2000s, the FDA granted Tishcon orphan drug designations for its coenzyme Q10 and ubiquinol products to treat pediatric congestive heart failure, Huntington's disease and a number of debilitating diseases associated with mitochondrial cytopathies. Raj was a generous supporter of the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation and cared deeply about supporting patients with these rare diseases. In 2022, Raj was honored by the United Natural Products Alliance (UNPA) and awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award, given "to individuals in the natural products industry who have devoted their hearts and minds to the betterment of society through ethical and diligent business leadership." Raj was honored by the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin - Queens Long Island chapter in 2022 and given an award "established to recognize individuals who through actions and pursuits have contributed significantly to the betterment of the community."

Throughout his life, Raj was deeply concerned about the underserved, and through Tishcon, he actively supported the work of Vitamin Angels, an organization that distributes essential nutrients and life-saving vitamins around the world, and other such organizations. Raj received the Vitamin Relief Guardian Angel Award for his generous contributions, including donating over 20 million high potency vitamin A softgels to help prevent vitamin A deficiency blindness in infants and children in Africa and Asia, as well as prenatal vitamins to supplement the diets of pregnant women, and multivitamins for young children.

Raj was a mentor, role model, and inspiration to so many. Despite significant health challenges, including living with Parkinson's disease for many years, Raj lived each day courageously, with grace and grit. Raj was a devoted husband to his beloved wife of 56 years, Asha (d. August 11, 2024), a loving father to his three children, Geeta, Mona and Raj Junior, and a doting grandfather to his granddaughter, Avana Grace. He was a cherished uncle, brother, and friend to many. Outside of his work, Raj was an avid reader and lover of music. He enjoyed reciting poetry, from Urdu shayari to Shakespeare, offering impassioned commentaries on world events, and playing trivia games with children. Raj was famous for singing "Happy Birthday" to strangers in restaurants and bellowing out the final notes with his whole heart, "to YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!"

Raj will always be remembered for his kindness, magnanimity, and innovative thinking, his dedication to excellence and his commitment to benefiting humanity, his unique leadership style, walking to the beat of his own drum, his compassion, care, warmth, wisdom and calm presence. (and his iconic sunglasses, Q-Gel caps, and Hawaiian shirts!) The impact of Raj's extraordinary life will live on in all those who have benefited from his life's work and presence.

Raj is survived by his three children, Geeta, Mona, and Raj Junior, and his grandchild, Avana Grace. He has joined his beloved Asha in the hereafter.

Condolences may be sent to the family: [email protected]

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to those who are underserved, something Raj was committed to, and/or to Parkinson's disease research - a disease Raj lived with courageously for many years. Here are a few organizations, of many, to support:

The Inn: Serving Dignity, Respect and Love - a local organization that offers essential services to those impacted by hunger, homelessness, and poverty

American Indian College Fund - An organization that supports Native students to access higher education

Parkinson's Unity Walk - Team Chopra fundraising page - Parkinson's disease research: