Jupiter -Yambem-Obituary

Jupiter Yambem

Beacon, New York

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Beacon, New York

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Holding On to India
Jupiter Yambem was born and raised on the other side of the world, in the remote state of Manipur in the northeast corner of India. At the age of 21 he came to the United States and promptly took up a career in some of New York City's most famous restaurants, including the Rainbow Room and then Windows on the World, where he worked as a banquet manager.

But even as he planted hardy roots here ‹ marrying a woman from Syracuse, settling down in Beacon, N.Y., joining an environmental group dedicated to protecting the Hudson River, becoming friends with Pete Seeger, signing on as assistant coach for his 5-year-old son Santi's soccer team ‹ Mr. Yambem, 41, held fast to his Indian past. Retaining his Indian citizenship, he co- founded the North American Manipur Association, a small group of Manipur families that sought to promote and preserve the culture of their homeland over here.

He had two purposes, said his wife, Nancy Yambem. He wanted his son to know something of his heritage ‹ to see the dances and hear the music and taste the food. But he also wanted to construct a bridge, however modest, between two vastly different cultures.

The strands of Mr. Yambem's life came together at his memorial service. His friends gathered at Beacon Riverfront Park on the banks of the Hudson River. They had a potluck dinner and Mr. Seeger sang "Turn, Turn, Turn." Later, they released hundreds of small paper boats onto the river, each with a candle inside. Mr. Yambem's ashes were returned to Manipur and scattered over a lake.

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We will miss you Jupiter. My family had ties to yours through my aunt (not related). I am sorry for their loss. This impacts me as a Meitei greatly. I send my condolences to his family.

El pasado 18 de marzo de 2022, visité el Memorial del 11 de Septiembre. Mientras recorría la piscina de la Torre Norte, leí el nombre de Júpiter Yambem y al ingresar al Museo vi la fotografía de él. Fue una coincidencia que me tocó el alma... Una vez que retorné a mi país, busqué en internet y pude leer su historia. Desde Bolivia, envío mis condolencias a su esposa e hijo.

Remembering Jupiter this day. 19 years ago. May his memory be a blessing. Love to all friends and family. I will always remember Jupiter and the bright light that he shone. Visiting the shores of the Hudson River, I think of him today.

I am deeply sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine the pain that this tragedy caused, however I hope that you find peace.

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Sending our sincere sympathy to your family. May God continue to give the help needed. Jupiter is still very dearly missed and will never be forgotten.

Remembering Jupiter this day. 18 years ago. May his memory be a blessing. Love to all friends and family.

To the family and friends of Jupiter Yambem:
Please know that Jupiter will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not allow those we lost on 9/11 be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you.

Im a student studying September 11, I am remembering you today.