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BORN
1945
DIED
2022
Ramkishin Samat Obituary
Ramkishin Kanu Samat, known to his friends and colleagues affectionately as Sam, survived the Partition of India and grew up in a sixth floor apartment in Bombay's Breach Candy, a stone's throw from the Arabian Sea. Sam moved to New York City in 1966 to study industrial engineering at Rutgers (MS 1968) and also received a Masters degree in Philosophy from the New School in 1981. He worked as an engineer at the NY Port Authority for over a decade with a small crew of beloved friends, and later devoted his life to various nonprofits helping children, people with disabilities, refugees, and others in need, often laboring tirelessly for their causes. Sam was a devout Hindu while also fancying himself a Buddhist; he loved to travel (most recently visiting Tokyo and Shinto shrines in the Japanese countryside), meditate, write poetry, and was a true cinephile (always favoring French New Wave) as well as an avid art collector. Sam cherished a strong cup of chai, listening to old albums - jazz, folk, you name it - all while discussing politics and world history. Sam is remembered and loved deeply by many here and abroad, and is survived by two daughters and his wife, Anna Samat of Haddon Heights, New Jersey. They lived together there for more than four decades in an old Victorian house with a sun carved above the door, and every evening at dusk he enjoyed a long, familiar walk east down Station Avenue under the towering trees.
the trees are speaking to the wind tonight...the wind carries stardust across the universe so that it can speak to us...we are made of this stardust – little nano particles of some far and distant star traveling close to the speed of light and invading our bodies with their memories...
words like fireflies sparkle in the night then disappear into the darkness...R.K. Samat
March 22,1945 ~ February 25,2022
Memories and Condolences
for Ramkishin Samat
34 Entries
Natasha Barnes
September 27, 2023
It´s been hard to write something here. I´ve come
here often to express the impact that Sam has on me (his spirit still resonate around me). I don´t know why but today is one of the days I am able to do so. Even as I write this I am overwhelmed with emotion.
The light, spirit, and wisdom that he carried is still making an impact today ( I am a witness and a testimony).
I started working with Sam in 2019 and met him on an elevator with a fellow co-worker. Myself and the other person was conversing and then I introduced myself to Sam. Long story short, we discovered we worked for the same company (lol, I still smile at that moment because it was so hilarious how it came about). Later on I found out he was "Sam" the boss, lol.
Sam respected my work ethic and the standards that I had for myself.
I appreciate his hard work, dedication, and compassion. His demeanor, sets a tone ( if you know, then you know).
One of our greatest achievements we can complete while here, is leaving an impact on this world. And Sam has done so in so many ways. I am forever grateful to have the privilege of knowing Sam. He will never be forgotten.
With much respect to a Legend in my book.
Pedro Salas
February 1, 2023
A very nice man and a very wonderful boss and person to work for. I still think of him often and my condolences again to his immediate family.
Karen Schuler
January 27, 2023
I came across this email with Sam picture today. Brought back memories of our talks outside on the bench in front of the building. Rest in Heaven my friend.
Joyce Burns
May 16, 2022
loved Sam , impressive obituary
JASON TÉRCIO
April 25, 2022
My condolences to Sam's family, specially Anna, my dear pen pal friend "Samantha" during our teens. I had the pleasure to meet the couple on the top of the WTC. My deep simpathy.
John Connolly
March 30, 2022
Sam and I go back nearly 30 years, 1995, to the days of Penn, CIR, HandiSoft, AbiliTech, and Elwyn. I, like so many others, considered Sam a colleague, mentor, confidant, and friend. Sam taught me everything I know about Indian food. I am spoiled because he was quite good at preparing it and many restaurants don´t come close. I treasured our talks ranging from software design and development to care of the people we serve, to politics and Ignatian and Hindu/Buddhist spirituality. We often laughed about the many ways Irish and Indian culture and experiences are so similar. I admired how much Sam "loved his girls." Sam helped me affirm and grow relationships with God and others. I miss my friend.
Terrence Barr
March 29, 2022
It was a pleasure knowing and working with Sam. He always showed interested in me personally and always had a kind word to say. He will be dearly missed.
June Levy
March 25, 2022
Sam was a smart and kind man. He helped me to succeed in my position by providing his guidance and expertise. We were a good team. Because of Sam, we were able to obtain critical resources to alleviate the workload of our overworked staff. But most of all, Sam was my friend who made me a better person and is very missed.
Howard Pine
March 25, 2022
Sam started as someone I worked with and in short order became a true friend, confidante, and mentor. He was always there to talk about an immeasurable number of topics with wisdom and advice. He was a kind, generous, and a wonderful soul. He touched so many and will be sorely missed. My sincerest condolences to the Samat family.
Kathleen Berger
March 25, 2022
Sam was one of the sweetest person I've ever met.
Sam was a beautiful soul. He will be missed.
Jeanette Waldon
March 25, 2022
My sincere condolences to the Samat family; Sam will be truly missed by us all at Inspiritec, he had such a humble spirit. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult moment. Pray that the Lord give you all strength where you're weaken. God bless
Stephanie Smith
March 25, 2022
Although I didn't know Sam well , as I only worked at Inspiritec for a few months before the pandemic hit. He was always a calm & gentle presence in the office & even in the google meet conferences. But from all the stories, I am hearing from co~workers, I feel it is my loss to not have known him better. My condolences go out to all of Sam's loved ones & friends.
Sunita Rohira
March 25, 2022
Kanu mama. My mom's baby brother. Loved and pampered by everyone. You were there for all of us whenever we needed. Always concerned for our well being. Can still hear your voice greeting me with 'hey Soni '. Gone too soon. Miss you. Pray that you are in a happy place with your loved ones.
Josh
March 25, 2022
I wanted to thank you for giving me a shot at InspiriTec and then giving me a second shot after the pandemic hit and most of us were forced to work from home. I'm also going to miss you terribly, though I am just one among many you've helped and whose lives you've touched. Once again, thank you, and may you be blessed in the hereafter.
Gordon Clinkscale
March 25, 2022
I'll miss our talks about politics, travel, food, and even our discussions about that darned MYLO access! :) You have clearly touched many lives during your life, and I am glad my life is one of them. Rest well my friend.
Asha
March 25, 2022
Dear Kanu gone from our sight but never from our hearts
Asha Samat
March 25, 2022
Dear Kanu there are no goodbyes as you are always in our hearts you are loved and missed beyond words
Pedro Salas
March 24, 2022
Your husband/father was genuinely a good man. I will miss him. I was very shocked and sad when I learned that he passed, and I will always cherish his memory and the great times we enjoyed at InspiriTec. I know I will see him again one day in Everlasting Glory. There is not a day that I sign unto work that I do not remember him, and I can feel his presence with me each day. We all loved that man, and now we dearly miss him.
Ryan Schepise
March 24, 2022
I wanted to thank Sam for all of his support and guidance over the years. I know I speak for many that he will surely be missed by the many lives that he has positively impacted. Wishing my deepest condolences to the Samat family; my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Anita Hoard
March 24, 2022
I want to offer my sincere condolences on your loss.
I worked for years with Sam at Methodist Home for Children. I considered him a mentor and friend. His loss was felt deeply. Prayers be with you during this time.
Kathrine Martin
March 24, 2022
You were a mentor and a friend. I am forever grateful for the role you played in my life
Manohar Samat
March 24, 2022
It was his birthday a few days ago. Kanu and I had a tradition of calling to wish each other on our respective birthdays. We ended our calls teasing to see who forgets to call. Bro, I didn't. You left and didn't leave me your number. RIP. You now are with the kindest person in the entire Samat family.
Monica Lund
March 22, 2022
Kanu Uncle- You are remembered so fondly by us all. I loved your visits to Long Island and saved all your paintings that you gifted us over the years. You will forever be in our hearts. Om Shanti
Bina Batheja
March 22, 2022
Dear Kanu
You were a great soul, always there with your smile to help , guide & share your positiveness with everyone
We will truly miss you
Love
Michele Smith
March 22, 2022
It was an honor to have known and worked with you. We love and miss you very much. Happy Birthday, Sam!
Pavel Kapic
March 22, 2022
Sam was a good friend at work and remained a friend for many decades after. Always thoughtful, attentive to what the others meant, ever questioning and diving deeper to reveal more about ourselves. That was his way to define friendship.
I am so sorry we have lost a friend, the family a caring husband and father and we all a decent human being.
Shalini
March 22, 2022
I never saw Kanu Uncle without a smile.
One of my first memories with him was when he came to visit in California. He told me he wanted to buy gifts for Maya and Tara and that he needed my help. We left the shop loaded up with toys which he then gave to me.
Even though we didn't get to see eachother often, whenever we did he went out of his way to make me feel welcome and special.
Always kind, generous, and smiling. That's how I will remember him.
Shalini
March 22, 2022
I don't think I ever saw Kanu Uncle without a smile on his face.
One of my first memories with him - he had come to visit us in California. He told me he wanted to buy gifts for Maya and Tara and that he wanted my opinion. We left the shop loaded up with toys which he then gave to me.
And even though we didn't see eachother often, he always went out of his way to make me feel welcome and special when we did.
Kind, generous, and always smiling. That's how I will remember him.
Mithu
March 22, 2022
Deeply miss dear Kanu. He was like my older brother.
Neelam Katara
March 22, 2022
His shining personality will live on in our hearts. He will be greatly missed.
I am so grateful to have been a part of his family. Miss you and will always cherish you in my heart. You left us too soon. Celebrate your birthday in your heavenly abode.
Om shanti.
Mithu
March 22, 2022
Truly miss dear Kanu. He was like my older brother.
Tara
March 22, 2022
Tara
March 22, 2022
Showing 1 - 34 of 34 results
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