Ramesh N. Parikh

Ramesh N. Parikh, age 75, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2015 in New Orleans, Louisiana surrounded by his immediate family and loved ones. Mr. Parikh is survived by his wife, Hasumati Parikh, of Gretna, Louisiana; his daughter and son-in-law, Rupal Parikh Aristimuno, J.D. and Leo Aristimuno, M.F.A. of Montclair, New Jersey and his daughter and son-in-law, Nilong Ramesh Vyas, M.D. and Sanket Vyas, M.D. of New Orleans, Louisiana. He is also survived by three brothers, one sister and his much-loved grandchildren: Maya Aristimuno, 13; Annika Aristimuno, 10; Lucas Aristimuno, 6; Rajan Vyas, 6 and Devan Vyas, 4. Ramesh Parikh was born on February 16, 1941 in Baroda, India to parents, Navnitlal Chimanlal Lotwala and Lilavati N. Lotwala. He graduated from M.S. University in Baroda, India with a Master of Arts and Literature and a Diploma in Library Sciences. Soon after graduation, he accepted a position as a Reference Librarian at Hansa Mehta Library. After 10 years in this position, he accepted a position at IPCL as Head Librarian, where he worked for an additional 10 years. In 1979, with a dream of providing a life of opportunity for his two daughters, Mr. Parikh immigrated to the United States. In 1981, he earned his Master's Degree in Library Science from Wayne State University. Soon thereafter, Mr. Parikh accepted a position as a Reference Librarian at Our Lady of Holy Cross College in New Orleans, Louisiana where he served for over 30 years. Ramesh Parikh was a great family man: a devoted husband, loving father, and doting grandfather. He was a generous, strong, and peaceful man who lived in service to others. He lived a rich and joyful life dedicated to family and God. Ramesh enjoyed reading and listening to spiritual texts and hymns, savoring home-cooked Indian meals, sharing love and wisdom with his grandchildren and serving his students as librarian – "the original search engine." His warmth, laughter and selflessness will always be remembered by family and friends. A commemoration service and cremation following is scheduled on Sunday, March 22, 2015 at 12:30 pm at Garden of Memories Funeral Home, 4900 Airline Drive in Metairie, Louisiana. Shri Suresh Sevak will officiate. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Ramesh's life. In lieu of flowers, Mr. Parikh and the family respectfully requests donations be made to The Friends of the Library fund at Our Lady of Holy Cross College. Donations can be placed in the Donation box at the Funeral Home or can be sent to Diana Schaubhut, Our Lady of Holy Cross College, 4123 Woodland Drive, New Orleans, LA 70131. The online guestbook is available at www.gardenofmemoriesmetairie.com.