Mahendra C. Mehta

1930 - 2021

Mahendra C. Mehta
April 9, 1930 - December 12, 2021
Resident of San Jose
Mahendra Mehta had an energetic spirit and steadfast optimism that kept him striving all his life, confident in the promise of a bright future. He left his homeland to forge a new destiny halfway around the world. He told us he'd live to be 100, even 150. And he assured us that, whatever the setback, there was "always something better" coming.
Born to Chandulal and Maniben Mehta in Gujarat, India, Mahendra grew up in the small town of Palanpur, the middle of seven children. He suffered so many illnesses as a toddler — including smallpox — it seemed doubtful he'd survive. But the sickly boy became a vital young man who moved to Bombay, where he lived with the family of his eldest brother, Ramniklal; went to Wilson College; and celebrated all night when India won independence in 1947. Mahendra adored Ramniklal for his hard work and sacrifice that lifted up the whole family and allowed Mahendra to seek his fortune abroad; years after his brother's death, Mahendra could not speak of him without becoming emotional.
Mahendra's journey of a lifetime began in 1952 when he "got on the big boat and started it all," family and friends waving goodbye as he set sail for London on the Strathaird. He studied telecommunications and worked repairing radios, his sights set on America. In 1958, Mahendra boarded the famous ocean liner Queen Mary to immigrate to the United States. While earning his electrical engineering degree at the University of Michigan, he advocated for more affordable housing for foreign students. Following graduation, he landed an interview at RCA where, as Mahendra told it, he was offered the job on the spot because the boss liked his laugh.
Eleven years after leaving, Mahendra visited India and married Lata, the sister of a childhood friend. He always said he'd had a dream he'd marry the "girl with the long hair," but he never anticipated how hard quotas on Asian immigration would make getting her an American visa. From his Indianapolis apartment, he wrote to his wife every night and sent dozens more letters to elected representatives, trying to find a way for her to legally join him. Eventually he managed to secure her entry to Canada and, for nine months, drove 300 miles each way every weekend to see her. At last, more than two years after their wedding, the 1965 Immigration Act allowed them to begin their lives together in America. They went on to have a son and daughter.
Mahendra was an incredibly loving and devoted family man; though fiercely independent, he often went out of his way to please his wife and kids and make their lives easier. He loved all children and was truly the best dad ever. Kind and affectionate, he was up front taking pictures at all our school events, eagerly helped out with our projects, and wished us the best of luck in pursuing our dreams, wherever they took us. He read everything his daughter wrote and delighted in his son's promotions (and later, his son-in-law's too). And he faithfully kept up our Christmas traditions year after year. He taught us to save money, be observant, and put family first.
He and our mom also instilled in us their love of travel, driving us thousands of miles on long summer road trips throughout North America and Europe. Those rambling adventures are among our most cherished memories, and stories of our dad driving through the night to retrieve a forgotten passport in Austria, putting out a fire in his pocket at Yellowstone, and hurrying past an aggressive bison in Canada are all part of our family lore. Over the years, Mahendra also visited the Great Wall of China, sailed the Panama Canal, toured the Taj Mahal, and trekked to Jain pilgrimage sites with his family.
In his engineering career too, Mahendra was constantly exploring. He never stopped learning and moved across the country multiple times for a new challenge. He was particularly proud of developing components for pacemakers, hearing aids, and telephones. Known as Mike by his colleagues, he tied a perfect Windsor knot, had a knack for cutting costs, and had an excellent rapport with production workers. He designed and improved products for influential technology companies such as Fairchild Semiconductor, Raytheon, and Northern Telecom (Nortel), where he was awarded several patents for innovations in circuit assembly. Retiring in San Jose, he kept brimming with ideas for useful inventions all his days.
Mahendra also continued to charm those he met with his strong handshake, guileless smile, and cheerful demeanor. Frequently complimented for being well-dressed, he always carried his trademark handkerchief. He was honest, sincere, and so softhearted he couldn't bear to see others unhappy, especially children. He was also an avid reader, never needed a calculator, and was resourceful enough to fix practically anything.
Some of Mahendra's favorite things were eating Hershey's chocolate, collecting coins, investing in stocks, taking photos of his beautiful wife and giving her roses, and building Lego sets with his family. He also loved to sleep, believing it cured all ills. Yet he stayed awake all night waiting to welcome his granddaughter into this world. And eternally playful and patient, he soon embraced his newest title — Best Granddaddy Ever.
In 2019, Mahendra had a stroke that doctors said would have killed or paralyzed most people. Once more he beat the odds, working hard and never complaining during tiring physical therapy sessions to make an almost full recovery. His granddaughter was his best therapist and spending time with her his greatest joy.
Mahendra was a fortunate man. His enthusiastic nature and faith in the future kept him feeling young all of his long life. It is far too quiet without his warm greetings, jolly singing, and words of encouragement. Even 150 years with him would not have been nearly enough.
When he embarked on his final journey, Mahendra was surrounded by his family: his dear wife, Lata Mehta; son, Cyril Mehta; daughter, Julie Mehta; son-in-law, Edward Fairchild; and beloved granddaughter, Sitara Fairchild. We will miss him forever, but take heart in the hope he has found the something better he always believed was just ahead.
Please honor his memory by trusting that, no matter what, the best is yet to come.
Best of luck, Daddy, we love you. No goodbyes, just see you again…


View the online memorial for Mahendra C. Mehta