Suraj Dalabhanjan's Obituary
Suraj A. Dalabhanjan
1939–2026
“It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, Because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: Great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; Therefore will I hope in him.”
— Lamentations 3:22-24 KJV
With heavy hearts and steadfast faith, we share that our beloved Suraj Arwin Dalabhanjan was called home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 5, 2026.
While we deeply mourn his earthly absence, we rejoice that he is now experiencing the fullness of eternal life in the presence of the One he faithfully loved and served.
Suraj was born on November 16, 1939, in Gulbarga, Karnataka, India, to Sunandraj and Amelia Dalabhanjan, their only child. He loved flying kites as a boy, and excelled in English and the Humanities. He went on to earn advanced degrees in public administration from Nagpur University and Osmania University in Hyderabad, and made an initial career in academia. Yet, despite his education and accomplishments, Suraj was a most humble person. He never sought recognition or status, simply describing himself as “a teacher.”
Suraj met Susan in 1967 through an introduction arranged by their parents. His love for Susan remained evident throughout their marriage. Susan affectionately called him “Mom,” among other loving names, because he became not only her husband and best friend, but also a deeply nurturing and comforting presence in her life. Suraj adored Susan, his “Susie Ma,” until the very end, cherishing their bond and finding joy in affectionately teasing her. Their marriage lasted almost 60 years.
From the beginning, Suraj and Susan shared a calling to serve, building a marriage marked by unwavering faith, deep affection, mutual respect, and joyful partnership. Together, they served in mission hospitals throughout India before founding the Charity Children’s Home in Saharanpur, India, in 1979. For more than three decades, they welcomed hundreds of children into their home and hearts, providing education, stability, love, and hope while sharing the love of Christ. Many of those children, along with their families and future generations, continue to consider Suraj their father and grandfather.
Suraj’s greatest ministry was the way he lived. He was gentle, patient, forgiving, and generous, carrying a calm presence that made others feel safe and loved. He quietly embodied his faith through compassion, humility, and service. Rather than seeking recognition, he looked for ways to encourage others, meet their needs, and lighten their burdens.
Suraj loved Scripture and studied the Bible daily, reading it countless times throughout his life. He had a deep appreciation for God’s creation, agriculture, history, politics, travel, cricket, and meaningful conversations. He was known for his timeless style: sweater vests, button-down shirts, dress pants, windbreaker jackets, and his beloved baseball cap.
Suraj is survived by his devoted wife, Susan; beloved daughter, Smriti (“Simmi”) and son-in-law, Sunder Isaac; granddaughters, Sana Amelia Powell (Curtis) and Samira Danielle Rochotte (David); beloved great-grandson, Levi Suraj Powell; and another great-grandson expected later this year. He is also survived by John Singh, whom he loved as a son, along with John’s wife, Anitha, and daughter, Jyotsana, as well as his beloved nephew, Shorrosh Mody, whom he also regarded as a son.
Suraj will be deeply missed by his family, friends, church communities, fellow missionaries, and the many lives he touched around the world. He will be particularly missed by his church family, the residents of Il Villaggio, the senior community he lived in, and the faithful congregation of Brookside Baptist Church in Bristol, Tennessee, whose friendship and support helped establish the ministry in India. He also leaves behind a large extended family around the world, including many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was especially close to his first cousins on both sides of the family, and considered Suresh, Julia, Sheela, Preetu, Shalini, Akku, and Gudia to be like his own brothers and sisters.
The legacy Suraj leaves behind is not just measured by his accomplishments, but by the countless lives changed through his kindness, faith, humility, and love. He reflected Christ not only through his words, but through the way he lived.
“Preach the Gospel at all times; use words if necessary.” Suraj lived those words.
May his memory continue to be a blessing and a testament to the faithful, unconditional, and everlasting love of Christ. We rejoice that heaven has welcomed a faithful servant with an infectious laugh, a gentle spirit, and the deepest joy of all — finally seeing face to face the Savior he loved, trusted, and faithfully followed every day of his life.
The family will receive friends from 9:00- 10:00 am, Friday July 10, 2026, at Skyway Memorial Garden Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel. Funeral Services will follow the visitation at 10:00 am at the chapel. Interment will be in Skyway Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
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