Prabodh G. "Buck" Bakshi

Prabodh G. Bakshi – Acton, ME

Prabodh G. Bakshi, 88, of Acton Maine on February 11, 2026, after a brief illness, surrounded by his loving family.

Prabodh G. Bakshi known to everyone as Buck, lived a life defined by deep devotion to family, generosity of spirit, intellectual curiosity, and a steadfast belief in the dignity and potential of every person he encountered. He moved through the world with quiet confidence, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to learning, service, and connection.

He was the beloved husband of Joyce L. Bakshi for over 58 years, the love of his life and his constant partner in every chapter. He was predeceased by their son, Charles Edward, whom he carried in his heart always.

He leaves behind his daughters, Ami-Lynn Bakshi, her husband Jon Pageler, and their children Charlie and Jack Pageler; and Leela Bakshi and her husband Paul Basile, and their children Aidan, Alexandra, Abby Scanlon and her husband Alex Adach, and Jonathan and Ryan Basile. He was a devoted uncle to the children of his late brother Prakash Bakshi, nephew Rahul Bakshi and niece Noopur Bakshi and her husband Dilip Pai, who were like his own children. He is also survived by his brother Pravin Bakshi of Mumbai, his wife Sulekha, and their children, nieces Shilpa, her husband Gaurish and their children Anjali and Mihir, and Shailee, her husband Dhaivat and their children Dhruv and Shveni. He cherished a beautiful extended family of numerous cousins, lifelong friends, classmates, and colleagues in the United States and around the world.

Buck was born in Bombay, India on January 21, 1938. The family lived in Burma for several years as his dad, Gunvantrai, worked for Scindia Steam Shipping Company. As danger and chaos was rising during WWII, the family fled on a moment's notice. His mom, Usha, warned by courier message from his dad, gathered the boys, ushering them to safety first to Zanzibar then back in India. His early years were shaped by his education at St. Peter's School in Panchgani, where he attended boarding school. His stories of this time include mischievous tales involving intricate measures to communicate with the neighboring school for girls, tigers in the mist, numerous detentions and unsuccessful, yet valiant efforts in boxing bouts. He moved to St. Xavier's College and then Victoria Jubilee Technical Institute both in Mumbai where his Engineering studies flourished.

In 1963, he came to the United States, beginning a journey marked by courage, perseverance, and vision. He completed his Masters' and I.E.E.E at Kansas State University and went on to build a distinguished career grounded in engineering, technology, and a lifelong commitment to learning and working in the forefront of the newest technologies. He was regarded as an expert and experienced professional.

His work brought him extensive travel to Europe, with extended time in Ireland, England, Scotland, and France, where his love of food, friendship, and culture enriched every visit. He also loved his work running facilities in China, Japan, Singapore, and Australia. He encouraged everyone around him to see the world with curiosity and openness.

When he initially retired, he sought out advanced studies that led him to become an EMT and an educator of health professionals, roles he embraced with humility and purpose. He worked as an adjunct professor, showing patience and expertly supporting learners in many different applications.

He most recently spent 14 years with Amphenol Alden where he was a compliance engineer responsible for ensuring products met safety standards globally. He dedicated himself to training, mentoring and supporting colleagues around the world. He intended to retire in March of this year, though he was still on the search for his next project, he even seriously spoke of writing his first novel.

Buck was a devoted follower of the news and a thoughtful champion of social justice, always eager to engage in conversation, listen deeply, and advocate for fairness and humanity. He also loved old classic movies and not-so-secretly adored Hallmark movies and the occasional soap opera as a welcome respite from the seriousness of life. He was known for his sense of humor and infectious laughter and collected expressions and idioms that delighted those around him. Phrases like "Hey, guy, everything happens for a reason" and "hang loose" became beloved parts of his everyday language and reminders of his optimism and warmth.

One of the most remarkable aspects of his life was the way he helped others. He openly shared his own story of immigration and sponsored others on their journeys to the United States. He supported people in their work and studies, served as a host family for international students and coworkers, and helped strangers in need. Friendships and relationships spanning more than 60 years stand as a testament to his loyalty, integrity, and deep commitment to others.

From Manhattan, Kansas to Cambridge, Massachusetts, Claremont, New Hampshire to Williamsburg, Virginia, and North Andover, Massachusetts, he made each place a home. Raising his family in Andover, Massachusetts, and later settling in Acton, Maine, he found his greatest happiness in community, faith, family gatherings, and the joy of togetherness.

In the final chapters of his life, Buck found deep joy in the shared rhythms of each day. He was a familiar presence at firepit gatherings with Square Pond friends, shows at the Sanford Performing Arts Center, on pickleball courts, and swimming classes at the Y. He read voraciously, often with carefully curated titles from the Acton Library close at hand, and he delighted in feeding those he loved, serving his famous curries (preferably Beef, that his mom, Usha surely would not have allowed), pani puri, and favorite snacks that turned any visit into a celebration. He enjoyed an extensive collection of bourbon, less for himself and more for the pleasure of sharing it with visitors over great conversation and sharing. He thrived on meeting new people and welcoming friends of his children and grandchildren, neighbors, and newcomers alike. People were instinctively drawn to his charm, warmth, and generosity. His spirit was infectious.

Though many imagined him decades younger than his 88 years, it would take centuries to contain the love, joy, and spirit of this beautiful man.

The family will share plans for a Celebration of Life to honor this most beloved man, Prabodh G. "Buck" Bakshi to take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Acton Public Library in Acton, Maine.