Prabhat Supekar

Hasbrouck Heights - Prabhat Supekar, 59, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 13, after a long and valiant fight with cancer. He was surrounded by his companion in life, best friend and wife of 32 years, and their beloved son.

Born in Nasirabad, Rajasthan, India, to a father dedicated to education and a mother, an Indian Classical Vocal musician, Prabhat's formative years unfolded in the city of Udaipur. Prabhat's early years were shaped by the cultural richness of Udaipur. He was an active volunteer at SPIC MACAY, a youth movement championing Indian cultural heritage.

A suave young man, Prabhat met his life partner in 1992. During their early days in Mumbai, they developed a companionship that helped them champion many phases of their lives. The young couple came to the United States in 1997 and built a tiny home away from home. The home was completed when they welcomed their son in 2000.

Described by close ones as multi-faceted, Prabhat was attuned to classical, rock, and Indian music, dabbled in photography and woodwork, and was an eternal seeker of knowledge.

His interests spanned from astronomy, exploring moving stars in faraway galaxies, to objects closer to home, the heavy Newark air traffic. He left his wife with fond memories of their early days in the U.S. when they would sit in the Ikea parking lot, watching planes land and take off. Even during his treatment, the passing airplanes overhead continued to bring him the same simple thrill - a fond memory now shared by their son.

A restless urge to learn also led him to master the art of coffee making and roasting. He wasn't just known as the roast master among friends and customers but also gained a rep for acing those NYT crosswords like a pro.

An unwavering entrepreneur, Prabhat co-founded Transfix in 2013, a pioneering AI technology firm providing logistical strategies and solutions to national and international companies.

More recently, fueled by his passion for the art of coffee roasting, he co-founded Roast'd Coffee. A striking figure, he extended his friendship, mentorship, and business acumen generously. Prabhat utilized his talents and experiences to uplift those around him.

Preceded in death by his parents in India, he is survived by a brother and a sister and their families. As a loving uncle to a niece, two nephews and two grandnieces, his familial impact was profound.

In his memory, donations may be directed to either one of these:

https://raise.rutgersfoundation.org/event/PrabhatSupekar

OR

http://givehmh.org/JTCC

Please select "John Theurer Cancer Center for Oncology Clinical Research" to direct your gift to this program and indicate honoree name as Prabhat Supekar.

If checks, they can be made payable to:

RUF-CINJ and mailed to CINJ Development (Philanthropy) Office, PO Box 193, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 and indicating that the gift is in memory of Prabhat Supekar.

A Celebration of Life will be held on the first weekend of February, honoring the legacy of Prabhat Supekar-a beacon of warmth, knowledge, and entrepreneurship.