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Gopalakrishnan "Gopal" Varadhan
Gopalakrishnan "Gopal" Varadhan
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Gopalakrishnan Varadhan Obituary
An old neighbor of Gopal Varadhan's said she first knew him through his music. It was like that with everyone around Mr. Varadhan, said his mother, Vasu. He was so dedicated to playing his acoustic guitar that, as a teenager, he lined the walls of his bedroom with egg cartons, hoping it would soundproof the room, rather than strum more softly.
He started a ska-inspired band, City Beat, while attending the Bronx High School of Science during the 1980's, cutting a record and playing CBGB in Lower Manhattan.
As it turned out, Mr. Varadhan also had an affinity for numbers and became a successful trader on Wall Street. After starting an unsuccessful Internet company last year, he joined Cantor Fitzgerald's eSpeed division in June.
Mr. Varadhan, 32, never forgot his music. He wrote songs for which his girlfriend, Valerie Toscano, was to compose lyrics.
"He thought that would have been our ultimate collaboration," Ms. Toscano said. "I thought marriage would have been the ultimate collaboration."
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Christian
May 28, 2023
I feel as if I have a unique connection to Gopal though we've never known each other, finding his story through my fraternity alumni network and being born the same day he passed away. Sending my most heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family, friends, and individuals like myself who were impacted by Gopal's life. May he rest in peace and his legacy live on.
Michelle Younger
February 10, 2021
Still think of you with the fondest of memories. One of the most generous and genuine people I've met. I will never forget you and your beautiful family.
john capozucca
September 14, 2020
We will never forget you Gopalakrishnan Varadhan!--The Capozucca family
John H Dobbs
September 11, 2020
RIP Gopalakrishnan You will be remembered and prayers go out to your family.
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The Kindred Family
October 5, 2019
Sending our sincere condolences to your family. Words can never remove the pain but may they remind you that others still do care. Always may God give the help needed to cope. Gopal is still sadly missed and will not be forgotten.
Karen Cohen
September 11, 2019
We miss you Gopal. We will never forget.
john capozucca
September 11, 2019
Remembering you and your wonderful family on this day we will never forget. --The Capozucca family
September 11, 2019
Remembering you and your wonderful family on this day we'll never forget
Vijay Kailasam
September 3, 2017
Remembering you my friend. R.I.P
September 2, 2017
RIP Gopal - we think of you every 9/11. Mike Weinstein's parents ( an old friend of Gopal's )
Lawrence Baum
September 11, 2016
Hi Gopal
I always smile with a tear in my eye on 9/11. The short time we spent together were very memorable. We were both in good places. I lost a dear friend that day. I miss you.
Your friend
Michele Greenstein
September 11, 2016
Gopal,
You are remembered fondly by yet another person from Bx. Science. We were in band together and you played bass guitar. I admired your love of music and your special style. May you rest in peace. My sincerest condolences to your parents, brother and loved ones.
Sincerely, Michele
Erin
September 11, 2014
Always remembering you and your mother on this day.
Malavika Muralidharan
September 11, 2014
Your sunny smile, innovative, creative and mathematical talents will always be remembered.Our prayers to help comfort your parents Vasu and Varadhan and brother Ashok.
Diana Antonucci (Hernandez)
September 11, 2014
Gopal, you are remembered with fondness and respect. We went to high school together in the great days of "City Beat". I always smile when I think of us going to your gigs and I think of you each year.
February 24, 2014
R.I.P Brother
Venkat Santhanam
July 22, 2013
Gopal will be missed by the all of the family. Your. Talent in music and numbers still talked about!!! Still going thru old family albums the pictures choke our hearts.
Tanya Villanueva Tepper
September 13, 2012
You will always be remembered with a smile. Sending prayers of comfort and strength to your family during this tender time...
Richard
September 11, 2012
R.I.P.
Arun Narasimhan
March 17, 2012
R.I.P
Arindam Mukhopadhyay
January 8, 2012
I somehow clicked a WSJ article on Ashok Varadhan, start trader of Goldman Sachs, and was impressed by his lineage (son of Raghu and Vasu Varadhan). But on going down few more paragraphs in the same article, I was stunned to know about his elder brother Gopal, who died in 9/11 tragedy. Life is so unpredictable and behind so many successes, lies so much loss and grief! My heartfelt condolences to this incredible Indian-American family who has gotten so much success, but also had to ensure such a huge loss.
Arindam Mukhopadhyay
December 27, 2011
I worked at sitegroups that Gopal founded in 2000, and left the company before it went under. Today by pure accident I googled and found the sad news for Gopal, and am shocked. Gopal was a nice person with sharp mind.
RIP, Gopal!
~ Richard
Stacey Meshnick
October 1, 2011
I think of him all the time and wish his family peace.
christina koizumi
September 11, 2011
as a classmate and huge city beat groupie, i will always remember you, the music, the gigs, the fashion, the hair styles, and your little brother, Ashok. i think of you every year, and now, ten years later, i feel especially saddened by your loss. my thoughts are with your friends and family.
Rekha Sasidharan
September 11, 2011
I was glued to my TV this 9/11 like every year watching the happenings and reading names of all our lost ones and dealing with my grief like every one else since that day. This is something I have not done in 10 yrs. The name Gopalakrishnan Varadhan caught my attention and hence I find myself here entering my thoughts. Gopal, like your parents, I too have two sons, who are 26 and 23 today and spent summers with their grandparents in Southern India and having similar impressions of our place. They grew up in Greenwich village, with my older son attending Bronx Science. I worked at ST Vincents Hospital till 2010 when they closed its doors. My deepest condolences to Gopal's parents and brother Ashok.
larry baum
September 11, 2011
Gopal rest in peace. I miss you always.
Larry
NYC
Malavika Muralidharan
September 11, 2011
Thinking of you Gopal! Thinking of all those you left behind.... on how hard it still is for your parents, brother and girl friend and all those near and dear. You achieved so much in your short life, it is hard to imagine all that you would have accomplished if this tragedy had not happened. I'm sure the good God is enjoying your company!
Laura Slatkin
September 11, 2011
Thinking of you, Vasu and Raghu, with deepest sympathy.
Elisabeth
September 11, 2011
10 years on and we still remember his smile not to mention his love for life. Gone too soon but not forgotten.
RIP
Gregory Glasgow
September 11, 2011
Gopal, I miss your warmth, energy and smile. Rest in peace.
Gregory Glasgow
September 11, 2011
Gopal, I miss your warmth, energy and smile. Rest in peace.
Daphne Philippides
September 11, 2011
Every year around this time I think about Gopal with his bright smile as I passed him in the halls of Bronx Science. I hope his family finds comfort in knowing we all remember him fondly.
Chris Wu
September 11, 2011
Rest in Peace, Gopal.
Sheldon Anthony
June 18, 2011
I attended U.N.I.S. with Gopal from 1980-1982 and he, Boris Blanco and I were best buddies. I lost touch with him when I returned to my homeland, but I never forgot him. A really kind, funny individual, a true friend who I remember loved music. May his soul rest in peace.
September 12, 2010
My prayers are with your family during this tender time- Gopal will never be forgotten...
Tanya Villanueva Tepper
Bx Science 86
Omar Wasow
September 11, 2010
I was thinking of Gopal today and found some great photos with his band City Beat: http://j.mp/citybeat
Vijay Kailasam
September 12, 2009
Just thinking about u Gopal. Really saddened by ur loss.
Sandy Yoo
September 11, 2009
I think of you every year. Saddened by your loss and smiling face that I remember.
Fiona Musso
September 11, 2009
Thinking of you today.
ZALDY MORAL
September 11, 2009
GOPAL, I KNOW YOUR IN HEAVEN, I MISS YOU AND EVEN IF I JUST KNEW YOU WHEN WE WERE BOTH GROWING UP IN GREENWICH VILLAGE NYC, I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU.
YOUR DEAREST FRIEND FOREVER
ZALDY
Jim Ashley
October 8, 2008
Gopal,
May you rest in peace my friend and may your family find peace and some comfort in your memory as a terrific, intelligent, humorous and generous person.
Debbie Thame
September 11, 2008
Thinking a lot about you today.
Diana Hernandez- Antonucci
September 10, 2007
Gopal - I think of you often, particularly when I am missing NYC. Although we were not very close during high school, we ran in the same circles - and I was one of your many fans. Your warmth, your openness and your positive energy is missed by so many! Thank you for touching my life. How I wish we could re-visit those City Beat gigs at SNAFU's and Irving Plaza. What wonderful times those were!
Debbie Thame
June 8, 2007
Gopal you came to visit me in a dream last night. It was nice to see your face again. You were the same guy who made me watch Duke basketball games and cheered when you saw a glimpse of your little brother on TV. I woke up smiling. You are missed.
Vijay Kailasam
May 22, 2007
Gopal, Just thought of you when I found out that your dad was honored today with the Abel prize. You have been an inspiration to me since the day we met at Cantor.
May God give your family all the strength.
P Tabbernor
April 9, 2007
In memory....
Fiona Musso
February 2, 2007
Dearest Gopal,
Rest in Peace.
Miguel Chavez
September 11, 2006
I've been thinking of Gopal much recently. As well as other classmates from HS. We're working on our 20th reunion. I played drums in Delta Crisis, Gopal was in City Beat. They were the more talented of the group. There were other bands, but City Beat really had their act together. Gopal once drew a caricature of me and I remember not liking it, being a sensitive teen, but now of course I would've laughed! If anyone from the family reads this, please get in touch, I would love to somehow honor Gopal (and others from our class that tragically perished) at our reunion in October 2006.
William Brown
April 3, 2006
I remember going with my mother and about 5 of us freshman going to a CityBeat show at a club on west 19th st. There was an older Ska band playing a sweet version of "Secret Agent Man" that was hot, but things really started heating up when CityBeat started playing their signature(to me anyway)song called "Rockin' Mesopotamia". At that time, I wanted to be up there playing my music. Thank You for that gift and vibe.
Richard Garbarini
February 13, 2006
I knew Gopal from Bronx Science and will always remember how bright and vibrant he was, he was a light, and a good man. My heart goes to his family. I lost my brother Lt. Garbarini, F.D.N.Y., with Gopal, and I miss them both.
Bill Hong
September 11, 2003
I knew Gopal in the late 80's when I leased a afternoon time share in the Manhattan Music Building across from Port Authority to his band Citybeat. Despite the fact that he and his bandmates were high school students at the time, I was always impressed by their energy and ambition. Soon establishing himself as a mature and responsible tenant, Gopal still had a streak of youthful rebelliousness, perhaps best illustrated by the Citybeat graffitti tag that soon began appearing throughout the public areas of the Music Building. I was not surprised to learn that he later became successful in his life and career, especially when I recall his confidence and potential as a teenager.
Michael Lally
February 17, 2003
I remember Gopal in our ninth grade math class in the Bronx High School of Science, c. 1982. He sat next to me and to his friend George, who was also in their high school band, City Beat. I cannot say that I knew him well, but we would say hi to each other. The monstrous tragedy of his death is even more so when I think of the relatively innocent, carefree days of that ninth grade math class, where our biggest worry was what we got on the latest quiz.
Our sincerest condolences extend to Gopal's family, and we wish you God's strength and comfort during these difficult days. Your son remains in thousands of memories all over the world.
Sincerely,
Michael and Lilia Lally
U.S. Embassy
Baku, Azerbaijan
Gina Lalli
November 1, 2002
I went to Bronx Science with Gopal. I just saw the alumni news letter with his photo and I was deeply saddened. I went to just about every show Gopal's band played in high school. I always remember that Gopal was so sweet, kind and smart. He was so talented. I pass my thoughts on to his family, and want to let them know that I am so sorry for this unecessary loss.
Vera Horn
September 12, 2002
Today while watching the TV coverage of the September 11 anniversary, I heard the name Gopal Varadhan. Could it possibly be the Gopal Varadhan whom I worked with at Chemical Investment Group (a subsidiary of Chemical Bank) during 1989-90, the part-time college student/computer whiz? It seemed impossible.
After reading the write up at Legacy.com and seeing his photo, I sadly accepted the fact that Gopal is gone. My belated condolences to his parents, brother, girlfriend, and all who knew him. Words are so feeble and cannot really convey the emotions behind them, however, I extend my deepest sympathy.
Gopal was truly an uncommon man, a perfect mix of masculinity and sensitivity. Gopal had a great sense of humor and was very caring. Gopal helped so many people, just at Chemical Investment Group. He always made time for people. Gopal gave me moral support when I was having difficulties with my husband (now also deceased) and was always a positive person. He was into his music and living in Alphabet City, but was equally at home in the business world. I was happy to learn that he excelled in his career.
Last time I spoke to Gopal he was at Paribas Bank. We lost touch after that, but he will always have a special place in my heart; I will never forget the support he gave me or the kindnesses he showed me.
If you took the time to get to know Gopal, you would find a gem of a man. He was a shining star in an otherwise dismal and dull existence we call our world.
Gopal, thank you for all the support you gave me during my difficulties with Craig and for the time you gave me. I'll never forget you.
With loving sympathy,
Vera Horn
[email protected]
Brent Burns
September 11, 2002
I last saw Gops on his sailboat in Sag Harbor where he hosted Ron's bachelor party two years ago. I remember him being very happy and content with his life. We met at NYU where we were in the same fraternity. We used to frequently work-out together at the NYU gym. Gopal tought me a few guitar riffs, and I remember him giving me advice about women while we eat in the school cafateria. He wasn't my best friend, but he was one of those special people that you just expect to see every couple of years throughout your life. I'll miss him and think of him every September 11th for the rest of my life. Val, I'm so sorry for your loss. In Tau Kappa Phi, -Brent
Angel Alvarez
September 11, 2002
Just want to let Gopal's parents and brother know that I met Gopal when he rejoined Merrill Lynch to head up its Energy Derivative Desk.
He was a great person to work with as well as very personable and caring person.
Very sorry for your lost and to let you know although we did not work together very long he left a very lasting memory of the time we worked side by side.
Gopal thanks for the night you took our finance and operations department out bowling so we could all get to know each other.
Thanks
Angel
Gopal Prasad
September 11, 2002
I am very sad with the news. I did not meet you, but I have met your father in Ann Arbor. My heart felt sympathy is with your family.
Ashley Roberson
September 10, 2002
Dear friends and family -
My name is Ashley Roberson and I am a senior at St. Pius X High School in Houston, Texas. As part of our Stewardship for Justice campaign along with the Dominican Sisters of Houston, we have made and distributed armbands with the names of everyone who died or is missing as a result of September 11. We will be wearing the armbands for a week in rememberance. After reading just the article on this site and a Newsweek article I can tell that the world has lost something with the death of Gopalakrishnan Varadhan. I will be praying for you and your family, and I hope God blesses you for taking away someone so dear to you.
July 9, 2002
Gopal left us all with many gifts. He shared his gift of laughter, joy, happiness, and his love of life with so many people. Remembering this can only ease the tragic loss of Gopal. To have known Gopal was to have received these gifts from him. Morn his loss, but more importantly, celebrate his life and all that he has given and taught us -- his gifts will last forever. Share Gopal’s gifts with your family and friends and Gopal will live on in all of us forever.
May 16, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL MAN..GOPALAKRISHNAN (GOPAL) VARADHAN AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS LOVING FAMILY..GIRLFRIEND AND MANY FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK..MAY GOD AND HIS ANGELS AND HEAVENLY MUSIC GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN
Philip Schmidt
April 24, 2002
I knew Gopal in New York. We also went to BX Science together. I am shocked and saddened to know of his passing as he was always a bright spirit and a good man.
"...and the leaves fall down,
like tears to the ground
for the death of what was proud."
Exerpt from "Autumn" by: Commonhaus, NYC 1989
Rest easy friend...
Dorothy
March 20, 2002
Valerie, my heart breaks for you and I just wanted to let you know that so many feel your pain...may you have the constant love and support of friends and family to help you through this.
God Bless
Marlene Perez
March 20, 2002
Gopal,
I never had the opportunity to meet you in person,but my sister said many very nice things about you. My condolence to his family and girl friend.
Monique Melis
March 20, 2002
Gopal
you entered into my life when I was going through a hard time. You never knew it but you will always be that very special person who made me smile again. I miss you.
Daphne Philippides
March 11, 2002
I remember Gopal from Bronx Science. We were in the same home room and had a few classes together. He always had a smile on his face and was always telling us about the next gig City Beat was playing. I will always remember him with his beautiful smile. May his memory be eternal.
Oliver Weisberg
February 20, 2002
Gopal and I played together when we were both 4-5 years old in Palo Alto, California. I would just like to send my condolences and love to his family and close friends.
Tanya Villanueva (nee Bejasa)
February 5, 2002
I am sorry that I never had the chance to know Gopal better in high school- what I do remember was that he was always smiling and seemed to have a gentleness about him.
My heart goes out to his girlfriend and his family- I know their pain as I also lost the love of my life that day- my fiance, Firefighter Sergio Villanueva of Ladder 132. With deepest condolences and heartfelt wishes for strength and peace during this difficult time...
Patty Morris
February 2, 2002
Gopal:
You are alive in everything I do...you inspired me to make myself a better person. You cooked for me, you picked up my broken pieces after every broken heart, and you you surprised me every time with your imagination and love....
For you I believe the following:
I give you this one thought to keep
I am with you still, I do not sleep
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glints on snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn rain
When you awaken in the mornings hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight
I am the soft stars that shine
at night
Do not think of me as gone
I am with you still in each new dawn
To Val: He loved you more than he loved himself...be well...
Peace, patty
Joan Feldbaum-Vidra
January 29, 2002
My condolences to Gopal's family and girlfriend. My heart goes out to you. I remember Gopal from high school, and we also met a few times for lunch in the WTC area. He was such a wonderful, caring and talented person. This is a terrible loss and I am so deeply saddened by it.
Mike Weinstein
January 22, 2002
My heart goes out to Gopal's family, Val, and all his many, many friends. Gopal - I'm so glad we convinced you to come to Dave's wedding on Sep 1. As with so many others, you made quite an impression on me as one of the kindest and most generous people I've ever known. I won't forget your example. Such a shame - it would have been a great friendship. Wherever you are now, fair winds and following seas, and the last cigar is definitely on me.
Lisa Price
January 22, 2002
I attended the International School with Gopal and Ashok;Gopal a year ahead and Ashok two years behind. I remember some really fun times with Gopal, he was always so kind and with a great sense of humor. Though I hadn't seen him in years, I feel so sad knowing he's not out there somewhere. My deepest condolences to his family and Girlfriend.
January 22, 2002
Another invaluable life, senselessly cut way too short. Its been said that when a person you loved dies, you gain an angel you KNOW. Gopal will be an angel for many. Thank you, Gopal.
Gideon Greenberg
January 21, 2002
Gopal shared an apartment with me and our band's played gigs together at S.N.A.F.U.'s and Irving Plaza. He was quite a person to know. We had some incredible times. He was always very generous and I will never forget him.
Dan Cooper
January 17, 2002
I remember Gopal from high school days. His lively music was at the forefront of a very interesting 'underground' music scene here in NYC, and influenced alot of musicians (this one included,) at an impressionable age. Condolences to Gopal's family and friends,
Ludwig Arnold
January 17, 2002
There is just one word coming to my mind: sorry!
Richard Garbarini
January 13, 2002
I knew Gopal in high school. He was one of the sweetest people anyone could hope to meet. My heart goes out to his famil and friends.
Nick Cooper
January 11, 2002
I knew Gopal back from the City Beat days and his lyrics are still reverberating in my head.
Rob Burridge
January 8, 2002
The world is a poorer place when good people leave it early. My
sincere condolences to the Varadhans.
Chris Orbach
January 8, 2002
God bless you, Gopal. I only just found out recently what happened to you. My prayers are with you and your loved ones.
Stephanie Higgins
January 5, 2002
God Bless Gopal, his family and Valerie.
Leah Golby
January 3, 2002
Thinking of Gopal today.
My heart extends to Valerie and to Vasu, Ragu, Ashok ...and all who knew and miss Gopal. You are in my thoughts.
Jay Vyas
December 27, 2001
My wife Mary and I only know Gopal from how often and how highly he was spoken of by his brother Ashok, who we know.
We would like to extend our condolences, thoughts, and prayers to Gopal's family and friends. We wish you all much strength through this incredibly sad time.
Teresa Jahn
December 7, 2001
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
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