11/13/2020
It is with tremendous sadness and heavy hearts that we inform you of the passing of beloved Vijay N. Dalal. Vijay left this Earth peacefully on November 11, 2020 in his home surrounded by his family. He had recently been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. He was 81.
He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Asha, son Yash, daughter Shraddha, daughter-in-law Amrita, son-in-law Ravi, and the lights of his life, his 4 grandchildren, Yamini, Sujan, Radha, and Pranav, and his sister, Smita.
Vijay was born in Mumbai, India. From a young age, he had an adventurous spirit. He studied accounting and economics in India and went on to pursue graduate work in accounting in England. He married the love of his life, Asha, and they emigrated from India and eventually settled in Ramsey, NJ where they lived for nearly 50 years.
Vijay started his professional career as an accountant and was originally a Controller for the Western Union Corporation. In 1977, his adventurous spirit once again took hold, and he made a decision that changed the course of his life. He left his job in order to become a financial advisor at Loeb Rhodes, a predecessor company to Morgan Stanley. He embodied his family name “Dalal” which means “stockbroker.” One could say that it was destiny. Vijay was more than a stockbroker to his clients as he became involved in their lives and helped them through every important milestone. Vijay stayed with the same firm for his entire 43-year career. When his son, Yash, joined the business in 1998, the Dalal Group was officially created. On a daily basis, other advisors would seek Vijay’s seasoned guidance. Whether it was a newcomer or a veteran who wanted to know Vijay’s perspective on an investment, he would always oblige. His work ethic was second to none, and the Dalal Group will carry on his legacy.
Vijay and Asha had a passion for traveling and together, they visited over 50 countries, definitely fulfilling his curiosity to explore the world. He was also a voracious reader, enjoying books on religion, philosophy, finance, investing, and much more. As a devout Hindu, he embraced and recited ancient scriptures on a daily basis, adhering to them throughout his life.
Family was the center of Vijay’s life. He was a loving father, supporting Yash and Shraddha every step of the way. He always made time to laugh, play, and create countless memories. At his core, he instilled in them the values and philosophies that were closest to his heart. As a grandfather, he could not be prouder of his grandchildren. He was a fixture at all their events - Sunday school functions, soccer, baseball and softball games, tennis matches, dances, and school concerts. Vijay regaled them with stories of his wonderful experiences, but always taught them that they must first be pragmatic before fulfilling their grand visions.
While his family, faith, and business were his priorities, he had another passion – philanthropy. Vijay often talked about how his grandfather and father instilled in him the belief that he should do whatever he could to help the less fortunate. He joined the Rotary Club and took part in a myriad of charitable endeavors, serving as his local chapter’s President in the 1980’s. But his heart was also with India and he wanted to provide aid to his homeland. In 1982, Vijay and Asha, along with a group of enthusiastic friends, founded The Share and Care Foundation. He nurtured this charitable organization, allowed it to blossom, and gave it wings. He spearheaded so many initiatives in the fields of education, medicine,
disaster relief, and family support to help those who were less fortunate stand up for themselves. He and Asha worked closely with other charities in India, primarily to provide education and uplift individuals. There are too many other projects to list and thousands of people he has helped. His donations extended beyond monetary ones, as he empowered people with skills and opportunities to provide for themselves. He never had any expectations, and his only wish was that they, in turn, pay it forward by helping others in their own communities and beyond.
Vijay often told his family and friends that he had no regrets in his life. He had achieved all that he wanted and fulfilled his dreams. Vijay was truly an honorable man – he will be missed by many and forever loved by his family.
Friends and family will be able to remember Vijay at a virtual service. Details will be provided at a later time.
