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Sankara S. Velamuri
Sankara S. Velamuri
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Sankara Velamuri Obituary
Listening to Sankara Velamuri speak was a pleasure, said Vijaya Sonti, a younger sister. His enunciation was distinct, his words precise and his diction elegant. He often quoted a bit of the English or Sanskrit literature he read voraciously. "Poetry," she said. "Religion. He had an excellent memory."
Mr. Velamuri, who grew up in Orissa, India, and worked previously in London, lived in Edison, N.J., with his wife, Avenal. When he immigrated, 30 years ago, he switched from metallurgy to accounting and found work at the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. The second oldest of 10 children, he was patient and learned, said Mrs. Sonti, a computer specialist with a master's degree in mathematics. "Growing up," she said, "he taught me algebra one summer. That created my interest in mathematics."
Mr. Velamuri loved company and good conversation, but also studied Hindu scriptures, attended temple and meditated at home.
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Cathy Witzofsky
September 11, 2021
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers today on the 20th anniversary of that awful day. May your family take joy in their memories of you.
Cathy Witzofsky
September 11, 2019
I'm thinking and praying for you and for your family as I have over the years. The world is a different place since that horrible day when so many people lost their lives. The heartache continues yet there is still beauty in the world. I hope and pray that your family has been comforted knowing that so many people think of everyone that died that day. Blessings on you and yours.
Venkat Chivukula
September 11, 2013
"Sankara" means the ultimate destroyer of doubt.
Velamuri is the family name that my all my maternal cousins go with. They hail from the nellore/kavali area in Andhra Pradesh. The people are known to be highly intellectual, kind and courageous. I am proud of the fallen soul for all his deeds of his life line and his resolve in the time of emergency to help others while not worrying for himself. REST IN PEACE Sankara.
Cathy Witzofsky
September 11, 2011
I am praying for Sankara, his family and loved ones on this 10th anniversary of his senseless death at the World Trade Center as I have since the first weeks after his death. I have read that he helped save people in the towers. I'm sure knowing of his strength and courage must be a comfort - it speaks so highly of his character. I pray especially for his wife. I will continue to remember Sankara and his family.
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Syama Velamuri
September 11, 2011
I came to know about the tragedy that Sankara Sastry garu passed away a few years after 9/11, and I was totally shocked. I spoke to Sankara Sastry garu over telephone when we moved to NJ from Washington DC area during 80’s, and once had a conversation with him in one of our common friends’ house for a lunch/prayer event. To this day, I can recall those conversations with him.
I just want you to know that my family thought about Sankara Sastry garu and his loved ones several times over the last several years. Particularly on the 10th anniversary of the event, I really wanted you to know that our prayers are with him, and really pray that God has brought healing to all his loved ones.
Terrence A Kaliner
September 3, 2011
As we near the 10th year of that terrible day.
I just wanted you to know that he was a man of honor and integrity as someone who represented a taxpayer who was audited by him.
With deepest respect for him.
Terry Kaliner
Cathy Wtizofsky
September 11, 2008
I am thinking of you and your loved ones today as I have throughout the years but especially on this terrible anniversary. I pray that time has brought some healing into the lives of Sankara's loved ones.
P Tabbernor
April 10, 2007
In memory....
Madhuri M
August 21, 2006
Dear Uncle,
My parents knew you very well as well as my uncle. There was a puja at the Bridgewater temple in May 2001 and uncannily you are in all the pictures my parents took that day. It is almost divine in nature you were holding goddess. I would like to send my sympathies to Vasantha Aunty and all of your family. I never met you directly but read the brave and selfless sacrifice you made that day saving your friends. You are a testament to all that is good and pure in this world. You will be greatly missed Uncle. God bless..
M L
September 14, 2002
our school held a prayer service last wednesday and i recieved a prayer card with Sankara's name on it. Never Will He Be Forgotten. Always Remember September 11, 2001 & Sankara S. Velamuri :) Forever In Our Hearts <3 <3
Venugopala Rao Kotikalapudi
September 9, 2002
Our prayers are with his wife Vasantha and his family.
Cathy Witzofsky
September 6, 2002
I am so sorry for the loss of your brother, Sankara. Right after this horrible tragedy, our church listed the names of all the victims. I helped put all the names on slips of paper so that the people of our church could each take a name and pray for that person. I received Sankara's name and have been praying for him and his family for the last year now. Just the other day a friend told me about the Legacy web site so I looked up Sankara and was able to see his picture and read about him. I was moved to tears to actually be able to see the man I have been praying for this year. I wish that this had never happened and that you did not have to suffer this loss. My prayers will continue to be with Sankara and his family and friends. I believe that he must be with God just as all the other innocent people who died that day. I hope it helps a little bit to know that others are still praying for you. I will be attending a prayer service this coming Wednesday, Sept. 11th, and will pray especially for Sankara. May God bless him in heaven and his family here on earth and may we ALL be blessed with peace on earth.
Cathy
Angie Campbell
May 31, 2002
May you rest in peace forever more!!
May 16, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERUL MAN..SANKARA S.VELAMURI AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS LOVING FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA..NEW YORK AND THE GOOD PEOPLE OF INDIA..MAY GOD AND HIS ANGELS GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Teresa Jahn
December 7, 2001
I wish I'd have had the pleasure of listening to Sankara speak. It sounds like he was a remarkable speaker. Our hearts cry with you in your loss.
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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