Upendra Chandulal Joshi

Upendra Joshi, loving husband of Lilavati Joshi and father of two daughters, passed away on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at the age of 88. Upendra was born on September 20, 1932 in Ahmedabad in Gujarat, India to Chandulal and Lalitaben Joshi.

He married Lilavati Tripathi when he was 18 years old and she was 16 years old on April 27, 1951. After the initial years of their marriage in India, they lived in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Upendra studied mining engineering, while being a model husband to Lilavati and model father to their two daughters, Mandakini and Leena. They then returned to India until their final move to the United States in 1991.

Upendra was a very positive person and looked for the best in all situations. He had an indomitable spirit, and even when faced with life’s biggest challenges, he found a way to preserve and lift up those around him. He was a life-long learner and inquisitive about new technologies. He always had the latest iPhone, even at 88 years old. He was an advocate for women, always supporting and inspiring his daughters and granddaughters. He believed in striving to reach one's highest potential. He was very structured, but fun loving. He was disciplined, but not rigid. He always said it was better to be 5 minutes early than 1 minute late.

Upendra had a long and successful career. He was a Deputy Chief Mining Engineer, General Manager for Coal India Ltd, overseeing eight coal mines employing 50,000 people. He received his Bachelor's Degree from M.G. Science College in Ahmedabad, India. He received his Mining Engineering Degree in Scotland.

He was a deeply devoted grandfather. When living in India, he helped raise his two grandsons, Siddharth and Sumit. Since 1991, he and Lilavati lived with Leena and her family and helped raise her two granddaughters, Shivani and Veena.

He was married to his wife Lilavati for 69 years. They were truly soulmates spending their days in a happy and loving union, supporting each other through all the ups and downs of life. They defined the real meaning of love and partnership for those around them. He took care of his wife from the day they were married until her final breath. His dedication to his wife was unwavering. His life was made whole by Lilavati, and he passed away only 4 months after her.

He is survived by his daughter Leena and son-in-law Vikram, his late daughter Mandakini’s husband Narayan, grandchildren Siddharth and his wife Rajshri, Sumit and his wife Swarnali, Shivani and her husband Kiran, and Veena. As well as his great-grandson Shreyan and great-granddaughters Sahana, and Sumisha.

Visitation will be held Sunday, January 31, 2021 from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. with cremation rite to follow at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 941 S Old Rand Rd, Lake Zurich, IL 60047.

We hope to have a celebration of life in the near future to honor both Upendra and Lilavati Joshi.